Kalidou Koulibaly has “never met anyone so humble” as new Napoli Coach Carlo Ancelotti and wants to repay the fans for their support.
The Senegal international began the new campaign with a 2-1 victory away to Lazio and then sat down with TV Luna.
“I have grown so much over these five years at Napoli and was also fortunate enough to become a father in this city,” said the defender.
Kalidou Koulibaly has “never met anyone so humble” as new Napoli Coach Carlo Ancelotti and wants to repay the fans for their support.
The Senegal international began the new campaign with a 2-1 victory away to Lazio and then sat down with TV Luna.
“I have grown so much over these five years at Napoli and was also fortunate enough to become a father in this city,” said the defender.
“I am very happy to have become a fan favourite, as it’s difficult to see a player remain at a team for that long nowadays. I feel the faith of the Coach, staff, teammates, fans and everyone. Hopefully we can have a great year.
“I love so much about Naples, but I had a few problems with all the lovely food when I arrived and put on weight! The people of Naples are so welcoming and happy to see me. My family and my brothers feel at home here too, we’ve got the best and most encouraging fans.
“I’ve never experienced any racism in Naples. My wife and son are happy here, we’ve got no reason to leave. Naples reminds me of Senegal, as when a foreigner arrives, everyone does their best to help him out.
“Racism goes beyond skin colour and I often see racist attitudes towards entire populations. It makes me very angry when I see racism against Neapolitans, especially Lorenzo Insigne, as he is the symbol of the city.”
Koulibaly cemented his status as a fan favourite when scoring the last-gasp Napoli winner against Juventus last term, a goal that for a brief moment made them believe the Scudetto really was coming to the Stadio San Paolo.
“I hope to give these fans something to really celebrate, because they deserve it. The city helped me so much and I want to repay everyone, both on the field and off it.”
Maurizio Sarri has gone to Chelsea along with Jorginho, replaced on the Napoli bench by Champions League winner Ancelotti.
“The objective this season is to go all the way, but we just got a new Coach and have a lot of work to do. Ancelotti has a different vision of football and is humbler than perhaps any player here. I’ve never seen anyone so humble.
“I don’t like making comparisons. Ancelotti won so much and proved he is among the best Coaches in Europe, while Sarri started his professional career late in life and is now doing very well in England.
“Napoli did great things with Sarri and we hope to do even better under Ancelotti. I tell the Napoli fans that I am very happy to be here, we are working for you and I hope that you’ll cheer us on even during difficult moments.
“We had a few problems with Lazio, but we’re working to be at 100 per cent as soon as possible. We hope to give the fans a great performance at the San Paolo against Milan.”
That match will see Gonzalo Higuain return to Naples as an opponent in the Milan jersey rather than Juventus.
“He’ll be treated like any other opponent and we’ll do everything possible to stop him scoring,” added Koulibaly.