The agent of Sunderland stopper Modibo Diakite has explained why his proposed summer move to Napoli wasn’t completed.
The agent of Sunderland stopper Modibo Diakite has explained why his proposed summer move to Napoli wasn’t completed.
The centre-back, who was available on a Bosman free transfer given that his contract with Lazio was expiring, did hold talks with the Azzurri about a possible switch.
“The transfer collapsed because there was some uncertainty over who would be the Coach, that was the decisive factor,” Ulisse Savini told Radio CRC.
“Neither party had the desire to wait, especially as there were a lot of other clubs interested and we just couldn’t hold on for too long.”
Boss Walter Mazzarri quit the Stadio San Paolo outfit in the summer for Inter, with Rafael Benitez heading to Naples.
“I don’t know whether Benitez wanted Diakite or not,” the representative added.
Sunderland announced the arrival of the 26-year-old on 10 June, 2013.