Dries Mertens celebrated a goal, Europa League victory away to Legia Warsaw and imminent fatherhood. ‘This was another reason why I wanted to score.’
The Belgium international came off the bench this evening and converted a penalty in the 4-1 comeback victory in Warsaw.
Europa League | Legia Warsaw 1-4 Napoli: Partenopei take Poland
“It wasn’t easy today, as they played well and we made some mistakes, then we hit the crossbar and had several chances, but in the end managed to score,” Mertens told Sky Sport Italia.
Naturally, he celebrated by putting the ball under his jersey, marking the news he is going to become a father.
“It had been a while since I scored, because I had this pain in my shoulder for five years and I just couldn’t take it anymore. I had to get it sorted out with surgery.
“I am happy to be back and we made the difference with the strength in depth coming off the bench, especially now you can make five substitutions.
“My wife Kat and I are very happy, this was another reason why I wanted to score, so we could celebrate the news.”
Napoli are top of the Serie A table alongside Milan and now climbed to the top of their Europa League group too.
“We have players who arrived and increased the quality level, if I have to name anyone who has really made the difference, it’d be Anguissa. I didn’t know him before, but he’s playing and training so well,” added Mertens.
“We always said the Europa League is a great competition and when we’re in it, we want to give our all.”