Kevin De Bruyne forced off after 25 minutes as brutal return decision made vs Man City

Manchester City great Kevin De Bruyne made his much-anticipated return to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night as Napoli took on Pep Guardiola's squad, but his comeback was short-lived.

Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne was forced off after 25 minutes as his dream return to the club ended prematurely on Thursday night. The Belgium hero made a prompt return to the Etihad Stadium after leaving the club following his 10-year service this summer.

The 34-year-old made the move to Italian champions Napoli to join Antonio Conte's team, who overcame the challenge from Inter, Atalanta and Juventus to win the Scudetto by a point last season. After a trophy-laden decade in the Premier League with Pep Guardiola's side, De Bruyne left as a free agent after his contract wasn't renewed.

His time without a club was short-lived and a return to Manchester was confirmed after the Champions League league phase draw. However, after just 25 minutes on Thursday night, he was substituted following Giovanni Di Lorenzo's straight red card.

The defender was sent off after referee Felix Zwayer went over to the VAR monitor to review his initial on-field decision following a last-man challenge on Erling Haaland.

Premier League icon De Bruyne received a heroes welcome on his return to the city and a 'King Kev' banner was unfurled from the home end.

As he departed, his name echoed around the stadium as fans chanted; 'Oh Kevin de Bruyne'.

His departure at the end of the season come somewhat as a surprise to the Belgium international. He felt that he had more to give in England's top-flight despite reports of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

"I have not had any offer the whole year, they just took a decision," said De Bruyne.

"Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it.

"Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I'm showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions.

"I feel like I still have a lot to give," he added. "Obviously I know I'm not 25 any more but I still feel like I can do my job. I'm open for anything. I have to look at the whole picture. I'm looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family.

"I like to play football. I like to compete. That's what I feel, so I can't say that I want to quit because I still feel that whenever I'm in training I want to beat the guys."

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