Rafael has announced that he will leave Napoli this summer but urged them to keep Maurizio Sarri and claimed they ‘deserve to win the Scudetto’.
Rafael joined Napoli in 2013 as one of Rafa Benitez’s first signings, but the Brazilian goalkeeper made just 43 appearances for the Partenopei in five seasons.
Rafael has announced that he will leave Napoli this summer but urged them to keep Maurizio Sarri and claimed they ‘deserve to win the Scudetto’.
Rafael joined Napoli in 2013 as one of Rafa Benitez’s first signings, but the Brazilian goalkeeper made just 43 appearances for the Partenopei in five seasons.
“These have been five important years. I’ve lived through five exceptional seasons in my life, I’ve met and worked with many people and learned a lot with Rafa Benitez and Maurizio Sarri,” the 27-year-old told Radio Kiss Kiss.
“I’ll never forget them, my daughter is Neapolitan. The Supercoppa in Doha? I remember saving [Simone] Padoin’s penalty.
“I watched that game back this week. l studied all the penalties. I didn’t save them all, but it was unforgettable.
“Beating Juventus? It was wonderful. We trained well all year and that’s how it ended up. We can end this campaign with our heads held very high.
“If this team stays together, they’ll continue to do well. My injury against Swansea was quite delicate.
“When you come back from it, you don’t regain the level you were at. I had to gain more strength in my knee…
“I felt better in the Supercoppa, but then I didn’t have the opportunity to prove my worth. Sarri? He really understands football, he’s a great person.
“He has a way with words, he knows how to light something different in your heart. He’d be ideal for any team.
“I’ve decided to leave. I want to thank everyone at the club, especially the President De Laurentiis, who brought me over from Brazil.
“It’s been a dream. I’ll keep watching Napoli’s games. There’s a chance that I could stay in Italy, although I’ll stay in Europe regardless.
“I’ll always have love for this team and these fans. The city lives for football and Napoli deserve the Scudetto.”