Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis reassured there was “a misunderstanding” on Gonzalo Higuain and slammed Rafa Benitez.

The patron sat down with Sky Sport Italia and Radio Kiss Kiss ahead of tonight’s friendly against Porto and discussed the initial refusal of Higuain to extend his contract.

“There was a misunderstanding with regards to Higuain. Anyone who claims he will leave is perhaps paid to say that,” blasted ADL.

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis reassured there was “a misunderstanding” on Gonzalo Higuain and slammed Rafa Benitez.

The patron sat down with Sky Sport Italia and Radio Kiss Kiss ahead of tonight’s friendly against Porto and discussed the initial refusal of Higuain to extend his contract.

“There was a misunderstanding with regards to Higuain. Anyone who claims he will leave is perhaps paid to say that,” blasted ADL.

“He has a three-year contract. We had some talks with his brother and father, because they wanted to know the plans of the new Coach.

“We met in Venice and even considered the option of an extension. I proposed two years, they proposed one year, but there’s no rush to finalise anything. We have another three years to run as well as friendship and respect with all concerned.”

Players have been lining up to criticise Benitez since Maurizio Sarri took over and De Laurentiis concurs the new Real Madrid boss is not missed.

“I won’t judge his personal choices. He can think what he wants of me, but I can think what I want of him too.

“That was a growth process for me too and made me realise Italian football has to find strength within itself. There’s a lot of work to do and that is why I hired a hard worker like Sarri. I spent a week with him to understand what he’s like. He reads a great deal and I chose him for that too.

“I saw the team is absolutely fired up. They hadn’t worked this hard since the Walter Mazzarri era. Sarri is a hammer and we even had an extra week of pre-season training.

“Sarri is extremely approachable, but also resolute, so everyone loves him.”

Napoli are in Oporto for this evening’s international friendly and De Laurentiis isn’t expecting much.

“These lads are very tired right now, as they still need to get used to it, so I don’t expect them to hold out for 90 minutes tonight. Porto reached the Champions League quarter-final and we are here just to have fun and see the new players in action. The result is irrelevant.”

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