Stanislav Lobotka says Antonio Conte ‘immediately’ blocked transfer exits for four Napoli players this summer: ‘I’m happy I stayed.’
Napoli are off to a fresh start under Conte and have collected six points in the opening three Serie A games, losing to Hellas Verona and winning against Bologna and Parma.
Conte had a massive impact on Napoli transfers and blocked Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s exits.
However, Stan Lobotka said that Conte didn’t want to part company with two other footballers, including himself.
“Conte, the new coach, immediately decided that four players would go nowhere, so there was nothing I could do,” The Slovakia international told VAR podcast, as quoted by TMW.
Lobotka says Conte blocked transfer exits for four Napoli players
Lobotka had been linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer, but he’s happy that he ultimately remained at the Stadio Maradona.
“I have a contract here, there were rumours about Barcelona, but there aren’t many places to go other than Napoli. I’m happy I stayed.
“I’m in no hurry to go anywhere. I have a different mentality from when I was 23. I am still under contract here, whatever thing happens.”
Lobotka, 29, joined Napoli in a €23m deal from Celta Vigo in the 2020 January transfer window. His contract at the Stadio Maradona runs out in June 2027.
He has played every minute under Conte so far this season, collecting 360 minutes on the pitch across three Serie A appearances and one Coppa Italia game.