Lorenzo Insigne remembered his failed try-outs with Torino and Inter and he apologised for his previous disagreements with the Napoli fans.
The 30-year-old Italian winger is set to leave the Partenopei at the end of this season, ending a career-long association with the club, in order to join MLS side Toronto FC on a free transfer. He has made over 400 appearances for Napoli throughout his career, scoring 115 goals and providing 91 assists in that time.
Speaking in an interview with RivistaUndici.com, Insigne first discussed the start of his relationship with football.
“My first ball was a Super Santos, orange, light, not as light as the Super Tele which was impossible to control, it followed the wind. I played in the street, we put bricks as goals, you knew when you started and you didn’t know when you finished.
“There was a sort of pitch where you could play two against two, three against three, a cage, I used to have fun like that.”
He touched on his initial tryouts with Torino and Inter before he eventually signed for Napoli.
“My football school was affiliated to Torino, they made me sign something that said that when I was 14-15 years old I would go to them for a tryout. I went, I did two or three training sessions, I played a game and they told me, yes, good, but honestly we expected you to grow.
“They sent me home, and the same thing happened at Inter. The only one who believed in me was Peppe Santoro, in the youth sector at Napoli.”
Insigne discussed his relationship with the Napoli fans and he apologised for previous disagreements.
“People have always expected a lot from me. I’ve tried to reciprocate. I’ve had disagreements sometimes with the fans and I’m sorry. A captain is a guarantor for the people who love the team, I think I’ve always ensured that Napoli don’t fail in their commitment on the pitch. As the fans in the stands say, beyond the result.
“Do you want to know what Napoli didn’t understand about me? I have a particular character. I can joke with everyone, but in the beginning I keep my distance. For some fans it’s arrogance, it looks like I want to pull one over on them. It’s just a defensive attitude. Some people have never understood me 100%. Those who really know me know what I’m like.”
The Italian winger then gave his thoughts of coach Zdenek Zeman.
“He was decisive, the first to believe in me. He and general manager Pavone were the first to see something in a kid. He asked me never to go beyond the midfield line. I didn’t defend. I was always fresh.”
He spoke about Walter Mazzarri as well.
“My first year in Serie A. A year of transition. I had Pandev and Cavani up front.”
Insigne had positive things to say about Rafa Benitez.
“He completed me. I’d always thought football was all about attacking.”
The Italian winger was even happier playing under Maurizio Sarri.
“Football with him is joy. I’ve had a lot of fun in three years, we’re just disappointed not to have won the Scudetto.”
He was a little cold discussing Carlo Ancelotti.
“He has returned to the methods of Benitez. It’s not true that we didn’t get on. We had different ideas. About things on the pitch.”
Insigne highlighted the importance of Gennaro Gattuso’s arrival.
“I owe him a lot. After the years of Ancelotti, he was good at getting me back on my feet and motivating me.”
He believed in current coach Luciano Spalletti.
“A strong personality. He gave us back an awareness of our strengths.”
Finally, Insigne discussed when he’ll retire in the future.
“I don’t think about age. When I realise I’m not physically well, I’ll let it go. Seeing Ibra when he’s 40 makes you want to. I cried when Totti retired.
“I know that when it’s my turn, I’ll feel bad. I don’t want to think about it. I get anxious. My wife also gets anxious thinking about having me at home every day.”
«Cosa Napoli non ha capito di me? Che ho un carattere particolare. So scherzare con tutti, ma all’inizio tengo le distanze. Per alcuni tifosi è superbia, ma è solo un atteggiamento di difesa».
Intervista a Lorenzo Insigne, a cura di @ancarot https://t.co/2BLumA979c
— Rivista Undici (@RivistaUndici) February 11, 2022
I will miss Insigne playing for Napoli, and blame ADL for his departure. I don’t blame Insigne for going to Toronto at all.
And now I have an excuse to go to the game when Toronto play in Los Angeles next season!
Forza Napoli! Forza Insigne!
Lorenzo is a giant. I’m going to miss him for Napoli and cheer for him in |Toronto.
In the meantime, let’s send Inter home crying.