De Bruyne: Hoylen looks very much like Haaland. I asked Lukaku before joining Naples

Football 1:29pm, 7 October 2025 60
In an interview with the media, Naples midfielder De Bruyne talked about his decision to move his family to Italy, the process of adapting to a new life, communication with his teammates, and his views on his new partner Hoylen.

Is it your personal decision or a common choice for your family? How did you and your family make this decision?

My children are growing up very quickly and they are forming their own perspectives, with their own friends, routines and preferences. So our whole family sat down and discussed the possibilities and what life would look like in Naples. They are excited about the idea of ​​learning a new language, making new friends, and exploring a new culture. These experiences are rich, not only for me as a player, but for our entire family.

How did you and your family adapt to life in Naples? Did the club help?

We have started to renovate a house in Naples, close to the school the children will attend. This is important to us and we don’t want to disrupt their education or their sense of stability. The club did a great job helping us relocate, from school to housing, making everyone’s transition smoother.

Naples is unique, with its vitality, passion for football, history, chaos and beauty. My family and I explore the city whenever we have time. Kids love the sea and Michelle is excited about the food and the market. We have even started learning some Italian words. To me, immersing in culture is part of the experience. It's not just a job, it's a life adventure.

Have you sought advice from some friends or teammates who have played in Italy before making a decision? What did they say?

I called Mertens, who was obviously a club idol in Naples, and Lukaku, who was already here. I asked them about clubs, cities, lifestyles and the daily reality of living in southern Italy. Both of them are very active. They told me about the enthusiasm of the people here, the beauty of the city, and the delicious food. They insisted that I had to try Naples pizza because it was simply the best in the world. They also warned me that life here is more chaotic than in England, but it is also part of the charm. This is a different rhythm of life, a different mentality.

Your partner with your new teammate Hoylen seems to be very successful. How do you judge him?

Hoylen made great progress. I think he's very much like Haaland. Both like to penetrate behind the defense, so they are very similar. While Hoylen may be retracing more involved in the organization, he should actively look for space as he can score goals and provide important assists.

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