The Belgian joined the Serie A side on a free transfer last month after a decade at Manchester City. As a welcome gesture, the club arranged for the midfielder to train wearing shorts bearing Maradona’s iconic number.
He admitted he was surprised by the club’s decision to let him wear the legendary number of their beloved icon.
De Bruyne said: "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.
"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.
“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.”