Departing Lorenzo Insigne said he will ‘be back’ and both he and the club made choices as he calls time on his 10 years with hometown Napoli.
The Italy forward, who is leaving to join MLS side FC Toronto, scored in his farewell match after his missed penalty had to be retaken.
After full-time, the 30-year-old did a lap of honour as he took in the adulation of the Napoli fans for the final occasion.
“I want to thank all the fans who were here at the stadium today to cheer me on,” Insigne told DAZN after the 3-0 victory. “As a Neapolitan, it gave me so much joy.
“Napoli is my home. As soon as I’m able to I will come back here. I won’t forget them.”
Insigne. Napoli legend. pic.twitter.com/5SR0I4XGGk
— Stephen Kasiewicz (@SKasiewicz) May 15, 2022
Insigne refused to comment on whether he would return to Napoli to finish his career as a player, stating both he and the club had made their choices.
Asked what Napoli means to him, he added: “I have so much love for this city and this shirt but there are times in life when you have to take a decision.
“We took it with the club and there are no issues for me. I am happy and they are happy – there are no regrets.
“Today the fans showed their love towards me and I will always carry that with me. I want to thank every manager I have who, even recently spoke very kindly about me.
“It means that I must have done something good in these past 10 years. I will carry everyone in my heart. The president and his son, the whole, because it has been my home for 10 years and I was also part of the youth team.”
Insigne’s goal meant he overtook former captain Marek Hamisk to move into second behind Dries Mertens in the club’s all-time goal scoring list on 122.
Following loan spells away from Napoli, Insigne established himself as a first-team player in the 2011-12 season and has made 433 appearances for this club.
Lorenzo Insigne passes Marek Hamsik to become Napoli's second all-time top scorer. 👏 pic.twitter.com/qHW3rqMRZB
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 15, 2022
I live in Los Angeles and have never been to an MLS game, even though we have two home teams. Now I have an excuse to go.`
Good luck to Insigne. He is part of the ever-growing club made up of players who have been shabbily treated by ADL. May he find joy and satisfaction in Toronto.