Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis explains how he brought his movie producer experience to running a football club without debt, while assuring Luciano Spalletti and Victor Osimhen are going nowhere.
It was in the summer of 2004 that Napoli were declared bankrupt and forced to start again from Serie C2, the fourth division in Italian football.
They had no players, no training ground and even had to change their name, but in 19 years De Laurentiis has taken them to the Champions League quarter-final and the status of Champions of Italy.
“In 2004, Napoli was just a piece of paper and in 10 years we got back into Europe, then within another 10 years we won the Scudetto,” ADL told Bruno Vespa on Rai 1.
Because they started from scratch, they have also been able to balance the books and won the title as one of the few Serie A sides without debts.
“You win without debts the same way you can produce a film without debts. You have to set out a precise budget and stick to it. One has to be an entrepreneur in life, rather than someone who just takes.
“I was offered a billion for Napoli, as well as two and a half billion for my business group, but I rejected all those offers.”
De Laurentiis assures fans who are worried by their ability to build a new era with this squad, especially as Premier League clubs are already hovering around some of their star men.
“Spalletti is someone I had been chasing for years and finally I managed to bring him to Napoli. He got us back into Europe and now I would like to open up a new era with him, because he is a great leader.
“As for the contract, I already exercised the option that was in his contract. People don’t remain at Napoli just for an option, Luciano said he is in love with Naples. He is a hero here now and entered into history, so it’s only right that he enjoy it.”
Would De Laurentiis be prepared to listen to offers for Osimhen?
“No, never!”
The squad won the title in Udine, so will be presented with the Serie A trophy at the Stadio Maradona on Sunday after their match with Fiorentina.
“We are preparing a wonderful celebration, there will be more in the following games too. This party will never end.”