Simone Verdi explains he was “flattered” by interest from Napoli, but “I didn’t want to leave Bologna in January”.
The forward was the Partenopei’s top transfer target this month, but this morning he decided he would prefer to stay with the Rossoblu until the end of the season.
“It wasn’t a no to Napoli,” Verdi explained to Sky.
“I didn’t want to leave Bologna in January. I preferred to stay here and continue with a growing project until June.
Simone Verdi explains he was “flattered” by interest from Napoli, but “I didn’t want to leave Bologna in January”.
The forward was the Partenopei’s top transfer target this month, but this morning he decided he would prefer to stay with the Rossoblu until the end of the season.
“It wasn’t a no to Napoli,” Verdi explained to Sky.
“I didn’t want to leave Bologna in January. I preferred to stay here and continue with a growing project until June.
“I’m flattered by the offer, and I did think about it, but in the end I came back to my decision. Napoli let me know of their appreciation and affection, I’m flattered but I didn’t want to leave Bologna now.
“There were moments of reflection, I knew the league leaders wanted me. With great calm though I decided to stay here. It was entirely my choice.
“[Sporting director Cristiano] Giuntoli tried to convince me in every way, [Maurizio] Sarri also called me on the phone, but with great sincerity I explained that I didn’t feel like leaving Bologna.
“I knew I wouldn’t be guaranteed a place, but I didn’t base my choice on that. [Luigi] Sepe and [Lorenzo] Tonelli called me too, but I didn’t want to delude anyone.”