New Bayer Munich centre back Kim Min-Jae reflected on his memorable season with Napoli, suggesting that he ‘learnt a lot’ from Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
The 26-year-old joined the Partenopei from Fenerbahce last summer and instantly hit the ground running in Italy, quickly emerging as the best centre back in the league. He played a crucial role in helping Napoli to end their 33-year wait for the Scudetto.
Bayern Munich were impressed by Kim’s work in the Campania capital and activated his €50m release clause to pry him from Napoli this month.
Speaking in a local interview via Calciomercato.com, Kim first discussed his award for being the standout defender in Serie A.
“When I received the award for Best Defender, I wanted to share it with Kvara, Osimhen and the rest of the team.
“As long as I live, I’ll remember the Napoli fans, they’ve always supported and encouraged me.”
He spoke about some of his former teammates in the Campania capital.
“Di Lorenzo was the player who ran the most, he works hard every day and never gives up. I learned a lot from him, I watched him in every game, and I saw that he never complained.
“Osimhen is strong and dominates against defenders, I would never play against them.”
Finally, Kim discussed his relationship with former Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, who stepped away from the job at the end of last season.
“In an interview given some time ago by Spalletti, he said that according to him I was ready for the Champions League, there couldn’t be a better message than that.
“When we spoke, I immediately understood that Napoli would’ve been the right choice.”
Kim made 45 appearances across all competitions in his single season with Napoli, scoring two goals and providing two assists.