Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis apologises to Napoli fans following a 3-2 loss against Empoli and confirms Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will join the Partenopei in the summer: ‘I can call him Giorgio.’
Napoli’s title hopes ended on Sunday following a frankly incredible defeat against Empoli. Napoli were 2-0 up with 10 minutes remaining but somehow conceded three goals in the final minutes.
“I apologise to all the fans for the terrible defeat against Empoli,” De Laurentiis told Radio Kiss Kiss.
De Laurentiis met Dries Mertens and Napoli players yesterday. The Serie A side will likely extend with the Belgium international, who sees his current deal expire in the summer.
“We met at his home yesterday and we’ll speak again at the end of the season. He loves Napoli and Naples,” ADL said.
“I told him that he has an option for another year and we must sit down to talk. He will decide when. I think at the end of the season. If he wants to stay, we are ready. He is in love with the lifestyle in Naples. He has left the mark with his goals and there should be no problems about a contract extension.”
Napoli are usually against offering contract extensions to players over 30, but Mertens has a close bond with the club and has become the best scorer in the club’s history, so he should continue for another year at the club.
Lorenzo Insigne, on the other hand, is set to leave the club and Napoli have already found a replacement.
” Kvaratskhelia? I can call him Giorgio, I hope it will be a great coup. He is a Napoli player in all respects.”
The Georgia international reportedly underwent medical in Naples a few weeks ago.
#DeLaurentiis: 'Chiedo scusa ai tifosi. Rinnovo #Mertens? Lui ama #Napoli e il Napoli…' https://t.co/ppCPSgz3gi pic.twitter.com/dnajxD8dqU
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) April 27, 2022
The defense has let me down in the last 4 matches. Does anyone recognize there is a problem?