Dries Mertens confirms there is a clause to extend his contract, but he doesn’t know whether Napoli will activate it. ‘If not, I will leave with a smile.’
The 34-year-old has been at the club since leaving PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2013 and his current deal is due to expire in June 2022.
“There is an option in the contract, we’ll see what happens,” Mertens told Sky Sport Italia.
He is the club’s all-time top scorer with 141 goals in 376 competitive appearances.
“I always say that I’ve been so happy here for nine years. I gave everything to Napoli, which in turn gave everything to me.
“I hope to continue here, but if that’s not the case, then we’ll shake hands, I will be thankful for everything that we’ve been through and leave with a smile.”
Napoli are right back in the Scudetto race after their 1-0 win away to Milan last night, decided by an Eljf Elmas header on a corner at the near post.
Bravo to you Dries. It is always a pleasure to watch you. And you have given your heart to the club and city. Not caught up in the greed that is Calcio now. I hope there is a way to extend or benefit the club in another way. And best regards to becoming a father soon!
Even as a Juve fan, always admired this game. Such a class act.
Hope he stays. Dont follow Napoli as a fan but Dries has been fantastic for Napoli and for Serie A. He clearly loves being in Naples and hope he gets rewarded for his loyalty.
I have always liked ‘Ciro’ Mertens. Glad that he is not going out bitter like many do.
Such a class act. I love how he feels so attached to the club and city. Football needs more Mertens and less Raiola please.
Ciro is more Neapolitan than some who are born and raised in Naples. Despite the relentless adversity instigated by some occult forces working to create disharmony around him and around the Club, his answer has always been class, creativity, and courage, he is an inspiration to anyone who crosses his path.
Although he has been very badly treated by certain destructive individuals with influence, creating a false rivalry between him and Insigne, I say false because there is absolutely no comparison whatsoever, dries is at least 2 classes above everyone else, he has always shown humility and gratitude, two values that seem to have disappeared from modern Football.
ADL being a shrewd businessman who knows and cares little about football, is very unlikely to offer Dries a new acceptable contract, which is a pity, because Dries still his at least a good 4 years in his legs in terms of football, and a lot more in terms of inspiration for team and Club in general.
Jebent de kapitein van de harten van alle Napolitaanse tifosi wereldwijd, en ik hoop dat je zo lang mogelijk blijft.
Groetjes.
We love you Ciro, this sport need you, your smile, your class and your goals, LUCIO CENTOFANTI