Edinson Cavani has invited Mario Balotelli to join him at Napoli and promised to “stay for a long time.”
El Matador has been linked with a move to Manchester City, but instead he hopes to play alongside SuperMario at the Stadio San Paolo.
Edinson Cavani has invited Mario Balotelli to join him at Napoli and promised to “stay for a long time.”
El Matador has been linked with a move to Manchester City, but instead he hopes to play alongside SuperMario at the Stadio San Paolo.
“Nobody has the right to negatively judge a player like Balotelli, as people can make mistakes. I would certainly love to play alongside him,” Cavani told TG1 cameras.
“He is a champion and has proved that. He’s an Italian champion who will make people very happy.”
Cavani pledged to stand by the Partenopei despite interest from Europe’s top clubs and his €63m buy-out clause.
“I hope to stay here for a long time. I am enjoying this moment and everything that surrounds football in this city, such as the fans who give us an extra boost.
“Naples has given me so much and that is why I am so happy here. The warmth and affection of the fans have given me extra confidence. I have a great deal of love for them and for this city.
“My children are Neapolitan, as they are indelibly linked to this city, because they give me everything and I try to give something in return.
“I am the person you see. I am very quiet and have always relied on my belief in God. My faith is a reference point for me.
“I enjoy every day as if it could be my last. We are expecting another child, Lucas, who will join Bautista. Some players like to go out partying, but I like the quiet life.
“My teammates are my family,” continued Cavani. “I spend so much time with them and am very close to the players and those who work for Napoli. I focus on winning and on getting important results with Napoli.
“Walter Mazzarri is right when he says much of my success comes from the team. A striker scores goals, but the goalkeepers saves them, the defenders close chances down and all the credit is shared out. A lot of the credit also goes to the Coach, who prepares us for the games brilliantly.”