Fabian Ruiz admits he always thinks about going back to Spain with Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly interested in securing his services.
The Spain international will likely start in Napoli‘s Europa League clash against Barcelona tomorrow night. The Nou Camp meeting os definitely the most awaited game in the knockout round play-off.
Ruiz has recently returned to action after a muscle injury and is ready to face the Blaugrana tomorrow night.
“I feel well now, I’ve been dealing with a muscle injury over the last week weeks but I feel well now. I feel ok,” he told Spanish newspaper AS.
“It will be a historic match for Maradona, he is a God for Napoli fans. We felt the city’s sorrow when he died and we want to honour his memory against the club that brought him to Europe. Barcelona are a great club, but we are confident it will be an even game.”
How does he rate Barcelona?
“Everyone was surprised to see how Barcelona began the season. It’s clear that they miss Messi, the opposing teams can always breathe a sigh of relief,” Fabian admitted.
“There is nobody like him, but Barcelona have very strong players in every department of the pitch. We’ve seen how they have changed.”
Fabian Ruiz is looking forward to the upcoming matches in Italy and Europe and believes the Azzurri have a chance to win the Scudetto this term. However, he doesn’t rule out leaving the club given that his contract at the Stadio Maradona expires in June 2023 and he hasn’t yet reached an agreement to extend his stay at the club.
“Things are going well in Naples, on a personal and team level,” he said.
“I am improving every day under Luciano Spalletti. He is a special coach, obsessed with football. He thinks about it 24/7 and has a close bond with every footballer. I like to talk and joke with him. He knows how to deal with the group and we are all happy, you can see that on the pitch.
“We know it’s hard to win the title, but we can go all the way through and the stats prove it. I won the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2020, but it left a bittersweet taste in our mouth as we could not celebrate with our fans due to COVID. We always feel the fans’ support at the stadium and in the streets.
“It’s flattering to hear about these clubs’ interest in me, that’s for sure. Right now, I only think of Napoli, I am very comfortable here and we have big challenges ahead. The idea of returning to Spain in the future is always: it is my home.”
Last but not least, Fabian commented on Lorenzo Insigne’s imminent move to Toronto FC. The Italy international will move to Canada at the end of his contract in June.
“Lorenzo spent his whole career at this club, but that’s how football is. It was sad, but at the same time, we’ve always told him to enjoy his new experience. It’ll go well,” Fabian concluded.
📰 Fabián atiende a AS antes de enfrentarse al Barcelona, equipo que hasta tres veces ha tratado de lograr su fichaje
🗣 "La pérdida de Messi se notó: siempre alivia que en el equipo rival él no esté"🖋 @mirkocalemmehttps://t.co/tEPVEKAbsZ
— Diario AS (@diarioas) February 16, 2022