Fabian Ruiz made it clear that he doesn’t regret leaving Napoli for Paris Saint-Germain just before their historic Scudetto success and seems confident Italy will qualify for Euro 2024.
The Spanish midfielder spent four years with the Partenopei from 2018 to 2022, growing into one of the best in his position in Serie A and making 166 appearances in all competitions for the club. He left for PSG last year in a deal worth around €23m.
Ruiz has not looked as decisive since making the move to PSG and recent reports in the media suggest that his agents recently visited Juventus’ Continassa training ground to start discussing a possible move to Turin in January.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport via Calciomercato.com, Ruiz was first asked if he regretted leaving Napoli just before their Scudetto success.
“On the contrary, I’m happy for everyone. For me, who won my first title in my career, and for Napoli, the city, the team and my former teammates.
“I’m very attached to that environment, the way they live football, they deserved the Scudetto. It’s clear that I would’ve liked to win it first as a protagonist, but I’m happy in France.”
He touched on the team’s disappointing start to the 2023-24 season.
“Evidently something went wrong, but I don’t know what happened.”
The 27-year-old looked ahead to next summer’s European Championship in Germany.
“Spain are among the favourites in the summer, Italy have their destiny in their hands and I think they’ll make it.
“They’re suffering after failing to qualify for the World Cup, but I’m sure they will be there to defend the title at the next European Championship.
“I feel I have a particular affection for how your country welcomed and treated me.”
Finally, Ruiz gave his thoughts on the upcoming Derby d’Italia between Juventus and Inter.
“Second versus first, it’s difficult to say what will happen. Inter’s form versus the solidity of Juventus. I expect a great balance, they are two teams that concede few goals. It will be a great challenge that will be decided by one play.”