De Bruyne sends message to Napoli fans as he returns after months abroad

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 10:22 AM ET

Kevin De Bruyne has returned to Naples to continue his recovery and told Napoli fans he’d return to action ‘soon.’

Napoli star De Bruyne returned to Naples on Sunday, February 22, after spending the last few months abroad, where he completed the initial phase of his rehabilitation from a severe muscle injury.

De Bruyne returns to Naples

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The Belgium internatinal underwent surgery in Antwerp at the end of October after suffering a high-grade tear of the biceps femoris in the right thigh.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan is challenged by Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

As reported by CalcioNapoli24, De Bruyne landed at Naples’ Capodichino Airport on Sunday, and according to Sky Italia, he returned to Napoli’s training centre on Monday.

Upon arriving in Naples yesterday, De Bruyne reportedly told Napoli fans that he felt “well” and that he would “be back soon.”

When will De Bruyne return to action?

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The 34-year-old will now continue his recovery in Naples, but is not expected to return to action before April.

The former Manchester City star has scored four goals and provided two assists in 11 appearances across all competitions this season.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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