Fabian Ruiz: ‘Couldn’t say no to PSG and Napoli felt the same’

Fabian Ruiz looked back at his move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain, underlining the reasons why he made the move to the French capital.

The 26-year-old Spanish midfielder spent four years with the Partenopei after arriving from Real Betis in July 2018 in a deal worth around €30m. Ruiz grew into a strong midfielder in the Campania capital, scoring 22 goals and providing 15 assists across his 166 appearances for the club. He left for Paris in a deal worth €24m in the summer.

Speaking to El Pais, Ruiz first recounted his move from Napoli to PSG and why he chose the French giants.

“Once the offer arrived, which we all thought was good, you couldn’t say no to a club like PSG. I had one year left on my contract, and both Napoli and I had an interest in finding another place. I think it was a good choice. It happened while I was focused on the pre-season with Napoli. 

“My agents called me to inform me that PSG was interested, then I spoke with Luis Campos who explained the project to me. Later I also spoke with coach Galtier, who explained his way of playing, the ideas. 

“Those conversations were very nice, they gave me confidence, that desire to be here with them, to work together.”

The Spanish midfielder then remembered some difficulties he encountered after arriving in Italy in 2018.

“The first months were very difficult. I also had a bit of a difficult period because of the language, because of the change of country. After so many years surrounded by family and friends, I found myself alone in another city overnight without knowing anyone. 

“It was hard at first, I was also younger. It was the most difficult change. Now I have grown up, I have already had such an experience and I have already adapted.”

The 26-year-old Ruiz has had a slow start to life in the French capital, only making one start across his three appearances for the club. He put pen to paper on a five-year contract with PSG worth around €5m net per season.