Dries Mertens reflected on his recent departure from Napoli and the work of the club’s new signings.
The 35-year-old Belgian left the Partenopei after a nine-year spell last month, departing after his contract expired. Mertens was keen to sign a new deal but an agreement couldn’t be reached with president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who was keen to rejuvenate the squad. The forward then joined Galatasaray on a free transfer earlier this month.
Speaking to DAZN, Mertens looked back at his Napoli departure and what could have happened differently.
“It’s been a wonderful nine years. Of course, it could’ve ended differently, I think the club could’ve talked about it earlier, I hope I can learn from this experience to become even greater.
“Today I’m very happy because my family and I have embarked on a new adventure, I’m in a great city and a great club.
“Of course, leaving Napoli was hard. My wife cried at the thought of leaving home, so we decided to keep it and try to spend as much time there as possible.”
He commented on Napoli’s start to the season and the work of their new signings.
“I saw the game this weekend, I must say that the level of the players is very high. I’m happy because they are showing enthusiasm, you can see that they are strong, young players who want to win.”
Finally, Mertens discussed his relationship with now-Toronto FC forward Lorenzo Insigne.
“I speak to him very often, he is doing well there and is very happy.”
During his nine-year spell with Napoli, Mertens made 396 appearances across all competitions. In that time, he scored 148 goals, provided 90 assists and helped the club win two Coppa Italia and a Supercoppa Italiana.