Aurelio De Laurentiis says Lorenzo Insigne’s future doesn’t depend on Napoli: ‘If he leaves, it’s his choice.’
The Italy star sees his contract expire at the end of the season, but talks regarding his contract extensions are stalling.
According to multiple reports in Italy, Insigne expects a pay rise on his €5m-a-year salary, while Napoli offer him a pay cut to balance the books after the COVID pandemic.
Insigne is a product of the club’s academy and has scored 114 goals in 410 games with the Partenopei.
On Saturday, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis spoke to Sky Sport and other media and touched on negotiations with the 30-year-old.
“[His stay at the club] doesn’t depend on us. I’ve never forced anyone,” De Laurentiis said, as quoted by Calciomercato.com.
“I let others democratically decide what is the best choice for their lives.
“If Insigne wants to stay, we are here to welcome him with open arms. Instead, if he thinks his journey in Naples is over, we’ll deal with it and accept his decision.”
Insigne is one of the many players available as free agents at the end of the season.
Inter, Barcelona and Chelsea are reportedly interested in securing his services.
The 30-year-old played a key role in Italy’s Euro 2020 win over the summer, scoring two goals against Turkey and Belgium.
#Napoli, #DeLaurentiis sul futuro di #Insigne: 'Dipende da lui. Se vuole resta, altrimenti va via' #calciomercato https://t.co/e9YExQVDNB pic.twitter.com/NHBSkwe0T4
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) November 6, 2021
This just keeps getting better and better!
Th best player in Italy!
kinda ironic this happening as Napoli are in a good spot to make a scudetto run, and are having best start to season.