Vlad Chiriches expressed his delight at making his first Napoli appearance of the season and working under Carlo Ancelotti. “He gives us more freedom.”

Chiriches marked his recovery from an ACL injury on Thursday, playing 56 minutes of Napoli’s 2-0 win against FC Zurich in the Europa League last 32.

“It felt great to be back on the field after five-and-a-half very difficult months,” the former Tottenham Hotspur defender told Sky Sport Italia.

Vlad Chiriches expressed his delight at making his first Napoli appearance of the season and working under Carlo Ancelotti. “He gives us more freedom.”

Chiriches marked his recovery from an ACL injury on Thursday, playing 56 minutes of Napoli’s 2-0 win against FC Zurich in the Europa League last 32.

“It felt great to be back on the field after five-and-a-half very difficult months,” the former Tottenham Hotspur defender told Sky Sport Italia.

“When this kind of injury comes, it’s difficult and you want to play. You watch the team and it hurts.

“Still, you have to stay focused, do your job and get back in the best possible way. Europa League? We hope to go all the way.

“We want to win something this year and the Europa League is a clear objective for us. We worked more on the line with Sarri, there was a lot of defensive work.

“Ancelotti gives us a little more freedom. Maybe you need that too when you play football.

“I’m enjoying working like this because it’s helping me do more physically and technically.

“Sometimes we find ourselves in one-on-ones and react differently. It also gives you more confidence.

The Romanian’s return ended with a black eye and another low turnout at the San Paolo…

“I took a punch, but nothing I couldn’t handle!” he joked.

“I’m sure in the games that follow, the fans will always be by our side and I hope we’ll have a full stadium behind us.”

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