Mario Giuffredi, the agent of Giovanni Di Lorenzo, opened up about why his client wants to leave Napoli this summer, making clear that ‘the truth must come out’.
The 30-year-old Italian right back, who signed a new five-year deal with the Partenopei in August of last year, recently told sporting director Giovanni Manna his desire to leave the club this summer, believing his cycle in the Campania capital has come to an end.
Di Lorenzo, who was booed by the Napoli fans in their final game of the season against Lecce, has attracted the attention of a number of top clubs around Europe including Juventus, Inter, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid. His preference is to stay in Serie A and talks will soon be opened.
Di Lorenzo ‘truth’
Speaking to TvPlay via Calciomercato.com, Giuffredi first explained why he’s willing to talk about the situation publicly now.
“As I said in a previous interview, at the end of the season I would clarify things about Di Lorenzo. To protect my player, but above all to clarify Giovanni’s affair, because the truth must come out.”
He confirmed Aurelio De Laurentiis wants to sell Di Lorenzo.
“Di Lorenzo had a conversation with Manna in recent days, as did all his teammates. They spoke about the year that is coming to an end and the prospects for the next season. Di Lorenzo expressed his feelings to Manna about a lack of trust on the part of the club towards him.
“To this statement from the captain, Manna expressed his strong personal esteem, but there is a willingness on the part of the president De Laurentiis to sell in response to an offer. He had confirmation that the lack of trust towards him had become reality.”
The agent then noted how his client made his feelings clear.
“At that point, having taken note of the president’s thoughts, he explained to sporting director Manna that without the necessary trust he wants to leave Napoli. There can’t be a captain who is disheartened by his club.”
Giuffredi explained how Di Lorenzo never intended to leave Napoli.
“Until today we had never thought about leaving. We never thought of leaving Napoli, we signed a contract to stay for life. This has always been Giovanni’s desire.
“Everything changes, however, if the team express this thought. After the news, several calls from top clubs arrived for Giovanni.”
He commented on the imminent arrival of Antonio Conte.
“We made the choice after what was communicated to us. It’s right to close a chapter. Antonio Conte is the only medicine to cure this Napoli. As a Neapolitan and a Napoli fan, one can only be happy with Conte, he is a winner, a synonym of guarantee for the project.
“We wish him good luck. However, we want to continue on our path, looking for another project that gives great confidence to Di Lorenzo.”
Finally, Giuffredi complained about De Laurentiis’ behaviour.
“The president must name the names and surnames of those who blackmail, he cannot generalise. Because there are many agents who work in an ethical and serious way, as he knows, they also come to the aid of clubs when necessary.”