Speaking to TG3 Campania ahead of broadcast on Rai, De Laurentiis reflected on Napoli's hundred-year history and the club's transformation into a consistent force in Italian and European football.
"We've managed to have a Napoli that has never been so successful, with a fixed presence in Europe for sixteen seasons. My wish? Another hundred years on top of the world. Maradona was great, unrepeatable, unique not just in Napoli's history but in the history of world football.
"Napoli the football club is inseparable from Napoli the city, a very particular city split between heaven and hell, so in a constant purgatory that we only touched in the days of Serie C.
"For us it's then always been paradise. A mistake from these years? I've sometimes let my heart lead me more than my responsibility as an entrepreneur," he said.
Looking ahead, De Laurentiis added: "In 22 years in football I've always guessed right about what would happen. My cycle is missing the Champions League — who knows if Max Allegri will bring it to us. It's a goal. It's been 22 years of success, to complete them all that's missing is winning the Champions League."
Away from the club's landmark celebrations, De Laurentiis also faces renewed uncertainty over Kevin De Bruyne's future, with the Belgian midfielder once again being linked with a move to Inter Miami barely a year after joining Napoli from Manchester City.
According to Bild, De Bruyne received several enquiries from MLS clubs as far back as June, with Inter Miami and San Diego FC both said to be interested. Chicago Fire had also pursued him strongly in 2025, opening concrete talks before De Bruyne opted to stay in Europe and sign for Napoli, drawn by Antonio Conte's project at the club.
De Bruyne, 35, remains under contract at Napoli until June 2027. Inter Miami appear to have stepped up their interest again, having already strengthened their squad in recent years with high-profile arrivals including Casemiro from Manchester United, as well as Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez before him.
A move for De Bruyne would add further experience and pedigree to Lionel Messi's side, with the Belgian bringing 124 caps and 38 goals for his country, along with 22 trophies won across his club career, should Napoli ultimately be persuaded to let him leave.