A bit surprised - De Bruyne honoured to train in Maradona's iconic No. 10 at Napoli

New Napoli signing Kevin De Bruyne has expressed his deep honoured and slight surprise at being allowed to train with Diego Maradona's iconic No. 10 shirt.

The Belgian international, who joined the Serie A champions as a free agent last month after a decade at Manchester City, was officially unveiled to the media on Saturday following his first week of pre-season training.

While the 34-year-old midfielder will wear the No. 11 shirt for the upcoming season, the club extended a unique welcome gesture by allowing him to train in the legendary No. 10 jersey on his shorts.

This number has been famously retired by Napoli in tribute to their beloved icon, Diego Maradona.

In a candid chat with the club’s official website, De Bruyne shared his reaction to the special privilege.

"I would say I was a bit surprised in the beginning because obviously I know that the number was retired. But in another way, it’s an honour," he said.

De Bruyne emphasised that the gesture, while significant, does not add any undue pressure.

"It’s an honour from the team and from the club to give me this responsibility. I don’t think it adds any more pressure. I think the pressure comes from itself, if you play for big teams like Napoli, the pressure will be there. There’s a team that wants to win, so you know what you have to do as a player, as a squad."

He further clarified his perspective on the weight of such a legendary number, "But I don’t believe that a number or anything else will add the pressure. Maradona is one of the legends of the game, and is synonymous with Napoli. Anyway, we know that, but I’m grateful. I’m proud. But I’m my own player."

"I’m going to try and do the job the best I can do, and hopefully I can bring pleasure to the team and to the city and to the fans, and get some good performances in that," he concluded.

De Bruyne was instrumental in inspiring City's most successful period in its 131-year history.