MANSHETER, England (AP) — Kevin de Bruin’s Manchester City return was shortened to Thursday when the Napoli midfielder was replaced just 26 minutes later, following a red card from teammate Giovanni di Lorenzo.
De Bruin was sacrificed as coach Antonio Conte reorganized his team after he went down to 10 men.
After returning to Etihad Stadium Leave the club As a free agent at the end of last season. He was given the hero’s welcome by City fans and then applause when he left the field.
Di Lorenzo was sent off in 21 minutes after a VAR review after knocking Erling Haaland right outside the box.
The number of De Bruyne was raised to be replaced by Mathias Olivera after five minutes.
De Bruyne helped the club win 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, in a decade-old spell at City.
The city said in May that it would erect a statue outside the stadium in his honor, marking his position as one of his best players. The club also installed a mosaic of De Bruin at the academy and appointed a road to campus after him.
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