De Bruyne: I am no different from 10 years ago. I was more energetic and now I am more experienced

Hupu, August 26, Naples midfielder De Bruyne accepted an exclusive interview with the Evening Post today.

Why did you choose to come to Italy?

"When Manchester City decided not to renew my contract, I began to look for new opportunities. After so many years, I don't want to stay in England anymore. Among the options, Naples is the best for me and my family, and it is also a place that allows me to continue playing high-level games as a player."

Is Naples the only choice?

"It's not the only one, but the best choice. I received a lot of quotes, but chose the Serie A championship team, they can play in the Champions League, and Conte is an amazing coach. When I was young, I only considered myself. Now I will ask for opinions from my children. My eldest son is 10 years old and is in an important stage of life growth."

What is the difference between Conte and Guardiola?

"Conte is completely different from Guardiola in terms of technical and tactics and coaching methods. He knows how to combine a team into a whole, and has high requirements for the collective. If you don't give for the team, you will be eliminated. His requirements are very clear. The longer you play, the more you understand what it takes to maintain a top level. Under Conte, everyone knows that you must work hard and complete your responsibilities, otherwise others will replace you - this concept has improved the intensity and overall level of the team."

What are your expectations for the season?

"The first victory is a good sign, but there is no need to consider what will happen three or four months later. We are a team with the strength to compete for the championship, but it is not the only one. We also want to go further in the European Cup and the Italian Cup, but it is not easy to maintain stability on the three fronts, especially the team has won the league championship last year, so defending the title is a more difficult thing."

Do you want to win the league or the Champions League?

"It's so hard to choose! I have never won the Serie A championship, but I have won the Champions League. It would be wonderful if I could win the Serie A championship for the first time."

The impact of Lukaku's injury on the team?

"This is a heavy blow to us. But a great team must find a solution. When someone falls, others must stand up. Luca can seize this opportunity. He can grow, score goals, and become a key player."

Is the age of 34 at the peak or on the downhill?

"I feel that I am no different from 10 years ago. I was more energetic when I was young, and now I am more experienced. You always keep evolving - everyone knows the advantages, but the disadvantages are the same. There is no worry or excitement, I just want to play football and enjoy it. Football represents my passion, I don't want it to become a 'ordinary job', if you play with happiness and a smile, you will play better."

What else can Modric bring to Milan at the age of 39?

"Everything. He has an extraordinary career and can play at the top level. When a player brings experience, the team will only benefit. Luca is no longer young, so do I, but we can bring something different. He can pass on everything he learned in Spain and England, and I can share my experience in the Premier League and help my teammates."

The earliest football memory of childhood?

"In the 1998 World Cup, England vs. Argentina, Irving's goal. He is my idol. I was 7 years old at that time, and I fell in love with football at that moment."

Character when I was young?

"Introvert, I am still the same now. If I feel comfortable in the same environment, I will become humorous. I like to stay with my friends and family and enjoy my own space. I need peace, be with my family, watch my two children play football, and continue to adapt to life in Naples. In private, I pursue peace so that I can face the hustle and bustle of football."

What kind of family do you come from?

"My mother is a housewife, and my father works in a factory, which is very ordinary. I left home to board the other side of Belgium at the age of 14, just to play football. This is a difficult decision for my parents. Now I only understand this feeling as a father. If one day my son asks me whether to go to another place, it is definitely not an easy decision. Now my father is helping me deal with investment."

Has wealth changed your life?

"It has changed a lot, and if I don't admit it, it's hypocritical. Playing football, spotlight, making big money has changed everything, and the surrounding environment has also become different. This is the other side. For example, my wife often takes care of three children alone, and it is not easy for her to do so. Our living standards are different from ordinary families, but I try my best to educate my children about the correct values. They don't understand the difference between their lifestyle and my wife when she was young, and one day they must understand."

Is DeLaurentis really that difficult to deal with when talking about contracts?

"I only had a video chat with him once during the negotiations. At that time, the sports director Manna came to me and explained the project to me. The contract issues were handled by the club and lawyers, so I just played football."

Which team is the strongest Serie A?

"Inter Milan is more stable and strong than others. I have played with them in the Champions League final. But there are several teams in Italy that can compete, and Milan is also dangerous. Although the start is not good, they can focus on the league, which is an advantage."

Tell me one of your advantages and one of your shortcomings?

"I know four languages: English, French, German, Dutch, and I can understand some Italian. Disadvantages? I like planning and arrangements too much, and sometimes it seems rigid."

Plan for Naples?

"I want to be the best, enjoy playing and winning, I hate failure."