Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed “Duvan Zapata passed his medical and Rafa Benitez is our best signing.”
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed “Duvan Zapata passed his medical and Rafa Benitez is our best signing.”
The Colombian flew in after an agreement was struck with Estudiantes for around €4m.
“They just called me from the Castel Volturno ground. Zapata passed his medical and is to all intents and purposes now our player,” De Laurentiis told Radio Kiss Kiss.
Napoli’s season begins tonight against Bologna, click here for a match preview.
“There are great expectations around the side, but when there are so many changes it does take a little time. Benitez has been meticulous, which bodes well and I expect a lot from him.
“We fans must try to help the team hear all our affection. There’s still time to buy a ticket for this great night at the San Paolo.
“I expect an exciting encounter, seeing as always had complex meetings with Stefano Pioli and Bologna. It’s intriguing to start the season against a team that beat us twice last year. It will be a useful match to show where we are right now.”
Gonzalo Higuain, Pepe Reina, Zapata, Jose Maria Callejon and Raul Albiol are just some of the new arrivals at Napoli this summer.
“Benitez is a professional who put a lot of work into the construction of this squad. Everything he asked for was provided. Now we need calm and patience to see the growth of the team,” continued De Laurentiis.
“Starting a new era, I have left us options for more reinforcements in the January transfer window, though I hope they won’t be needed. As you all know, I am generally contrary to buying mid-season.
“The fans always ask me for new players, but the best investment a club can make is its Coach. Our best signing of the season is Benitez. We mustn’t suggest to him which players to buy, as that would be a lack of respect. He has to tell us what he needs.”