Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly says that he hopes to one day emulate former Parma and Juventus man Lilian Thuram.
Thuram spent 10 years in Italy with the Ducali and Bianconeri, as well as winning 142 caps for the French national side, and Koulibaly admits the World Cup winner is an inspiration for him – on and off the field.
“He is the player who inspired me,” Kolibaly has told E Azzurro’s latest issue.
“He gave me a lot of joy, along with the other players who won the World Cup in 1998.
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly says that he hopes to one day emulate former Parma and Juventus man Lilian Thuram.
Thuram spent 10 years in Italy with the Ducali and Bianconeri, as well as winning 142 caps for the French national side, and Koulibaly admits the World Cup winner is an inspiration for him – on and off the field.
“He is the player who inspired me,” Kolibaly has told E Azzurro’s latest issue.
“He gave me a lot of joy, along with the other players who won the World Cup in 1998.
“I remember what he won and how he played. I hope to develop here at Napoli and reach the levels he did.
“Thuram is an example on and off the field. He fought against racism, like Malcom X and Nelson Mandela who are two symbols of freedom.”
Koulibaly also reserved praise for Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian centre-back duo.
“As far as defenders, the best in the world at the moment are Thiago Silva and David Luiz.”