Empoli’s Riccardo Saponara says ‘it would’ve been hard to refuse Napoli’ and that he feels ‘ready for the Azzurri.’
The 23-year-old was linked to the Partenopei during the summer but a move never materialised, although the attacking midfielder hinted at an exit next summer.
"Napoli was the only possible move of my summer transfer market,” Saponara said to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Empoli turned them down and I didn’t have to decide. It would’ve been difficult to refuse.
Empoli’s Riccardo Saponara says ‘it would’ve been hard to refuse Napoli’ and that he feels ‘ready for the Azzurri.’
The 23-year-old was linked to the Partenopei during the summer but a move never materialised, although the attacking midfielder hinted at an exit next summer.
"Napoli was the only possible move of my summer transfer market,” Saponara said to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Empoli turned them down and I didn’t have to decide. It would’ve been difficult to refuse.
“I’m doing very well at Empoli but Napoli is a great place. They will finish in the top three.
"Wherever my future lies, abroad or in Italy, is down to who has the best project.
“I'd just like to finish the season here. I want to score more than 10 goals but to tell the truth I’m targeting 15, also to thank Empoli.
“They put their faith in me when I was playing badly , very badly.
"Yes, I feel like I’ve developed. I think I'm ready for the Azzurri and I won’t deny that I’m hoping for a call, this time or the next."
“I have a small resemblance to Soriano and Zidane. Kaka is the closest to my movements, but he is out of this world.”