Walter Gargano has made clear his commitment to Napoli and says facing Walter Mazzarri will have no bearing, as ‘things didn’t end well’.
The midfielder finds himself back in the first team picture with the Vesuviani this season, following two seasons away and with a few bridges to build with supporters following some statements made after his 2012 departure to Inter.
Walter Gargano has made clear his commitment to Napoli and says facing Walter Mazzarri will have no bearing, as ‘things didn’t end well’.
The midfielder finds himself back in the first team picture with the Vesuviani this season, following two seasons away and with a few bridges to build with supporters following some statements made after his 2012 departure to Inter.
“I am sorry for what was said in the past, because I have always fought for this shirt,” Gargano has told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli today.
“The past is gone and we have to think about the present As long as the Coach will have me play, I will give my maximum.
“I cannot do anything but thank the fans for the applause against Torino. Every time I play I will always give my all in the field, I want this shirt so much.
“Sometimes things come out that are misinterpreted, but I will spit blood to give my best.
“Working with Benitez? It was not easy to come back and settle in right away, this was also the case with my teammates.
“I will always give my best for this shirt – anyone who does not give 100 out of 100 cannot play in Naples. I thank the Coach for the opportunity he has given me.
“I want to give my best for this team and I want to train to my best, which is why I turned down the national team call-up.”
It has been a difficult start to the season for the Partenopei, started by early Champions League elimination to Athletic Bilbao.
“We were too naïve, those games are played with competitive nastiness,
“We needed experience, we made a mistake and have paid for it dearly. Now we have to think about the present and return to winning.
“Was it important to beat Torino then [in Week 6]? Things sometimes do not work straight away but the game is there.
“For those who face us, it is the game of their life. Our start to the season has not been easy, but it must be said that we have had much bad luck, considering that in those we have faced the goalkeepers have always been the best in the field. Against the Granata it was a tough game.”
Next up is Inter and Gargano’s former Coach Walter Mazzarri. He was prompted to share what it may feel like to beat the 53-year-old.
“It would have no effect. It did not end well with the Coach because of various things that have taken us on separate paths.
“For us it will be an important game because two great Coaches will come up against each other.
“Not special to face Mazzarri though? No, it is a game like any other. We will fight and do what our Coach tells us.”
Napoli will travel out to Doha, Qatar in late December to contest the Supercoppa Italiana with Juventus
“Recently this Cup has taken on a global importance because it has been played abroad more often than not, many sponsors are interested in it and that is why it is important for us to win it.”