Lorenzo Insigne spoke positively about the MLS after his move to Toronto FC and he commented on the Napoli departures of Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Mertens.
The 31-year-old Italian winger signed a four-year deal with the Canadian side last month after his contract expired with the Partenopei, ending a career-long association with his local club. Insigne has already started off well in the MLS, scoring one goal and providing one assist in his first three appearances.
Speaking to Rai RadioUno, Insigne first discussed his adaption to life in Canada.
“I’m doing well in Toronto and I’m starting to study the language. It’s right that way, to understand people, my teammates and the coach.
“I miss everything about Napoli and as soon as I have time I will definitely come back to find friends and family and follow Napoli closely.”
The 31-year-old Italian spoke positively about the MLS, highlighting their good infrastructure.
“I was surprised by the MLS because there are all very good facilities, new pitches and very nice stadiums.
“On a physical level it is very demanding because you run so much. It’s a good league and I hope it grows more and more to approach the prestige of the European leagues.”
He looked ahead to the upcoming Serie A season.
“I can’t wait for the start of the Italian season so I can follow Napoli, because I am a huge Napoli fan and I have already arranged everything to see the matches.
“And as I wished my teammates, whom I spoke to time to time through calls and messages, that I hope they win the title and I would be very happy if they did.
“Honestly, seeing the transfer market of all the teams, I hope it will be a great season. I can’t wait for it to start and so I can enjoy Serie A from afar and see great football.”
Insigne gave his thoughts on the departures of Koulibaly, Mertens and Faouzi Ghoulam.
“I’m sorry that I, Mertens, Koulibaly and also Ghoulam left together. So sorry because we have all given so much to Napoli and there is sadness, but life is like that.
“Definitely all three of us will always remain attached to Napoli and we will always cheer for Napoli.”
He had nothing to say to those who’ve spoken out against his decision to move to the MLS.
“To those who criticise me for leaving Serie A at just 31 years old, I have nothing to say because I am happy with the decision I made and I am moving on.”
Finally, Insigne discussed if he was more upset at Italy’s failure to qualify for two consecutive World Cups or Napoli’s failure to win the Scudetto in the 2017-18 season.
“Those are two heavy disappointments, because not participating twice in a World Cup is very hard, especially watching it from TV. Then as for losing the Scudetto with Napoli, as a Napoli fan, it hurts.
“These are two open wounds and I hope that slowly they will close and we will move on. I hope that both the national team and Napoli rise as high as possible.”
Insigne’s words were very gracious, especially considering the shabby way he was shown the door by ADL.
I wish him well in MLS, and will be sure to pay my respects when Toronto plays in Los Angeles against one of my home teams.