Lorenzo Insigne hopes to see out his career at hometown club Napoli and confirms his belief Maurizio Sarri joining Juventus was “a betrayal.”
The Partenopei captain has been on the end of some criticism from his own boss Carlo Ancelotti and President Aurelio De Laurentiis, but he is taking it as motivation.
“I have always helped out my teammates, whether I had the captain’s armband or not,” said Insigne during a Q&A at their training retreat.
Lorenzo Insigne hopes to see out his career at hometown club Napoli and confirms his belief Maurizio Sarri joining Juventus was “a betrayal.”
The Partenopei captain has been on the end of some criticism from his own boss Carlo Ancelotti and President Aurelio De Laurentiis, but he is taking it as motivation.
“I have always helped out my teammates, whether I had the captain’s armband or not,” said Insigne during a Q&A at their training retreat.
“I interpreted the words of the Coach and President as attempts to fire me up, so I could give 100 per cent. The Napoli jersey is very important to me and playing for your hometown club as a Neapolitan is not easy.
“I try to help everyone, I am the first to be upset after a defeat or draw. The important thing is to remain united, as together we will do great things.
“There’s no magic ball to say when we can win the Scudetto, but like every year, we’ll give our best to be competitive to the end.”
Insigne stood by his comment that Sarri had “betrayed” Napoli by joining their arch rivals Juventus just a year after his departure.
“I said it and I say it again, for us Neapolitans, that was a betrayal. Now we have to focus on ourselves and try to beat him. The Scudetto is a dream for all of us and we will try once more.”
There have been reports of interest from Paris Saint-Germain, so could Insigne attempt an experience abroad?
“No, I’m still young, I’m happy in Naples and want to stay here for the rest of my career. Scoring that goal against Real Madrid gave me such strong sensations and I hope other young Neapolitan lads can feel the same way in future. It is the dream of all Neapolitan boys and I am very proud to be in this position.”
There was an amusing aside after Insigne said he feels “more comfortable in the tactical system” used by Italy rather than at Napoli.
The next question was from a certain Carlo in the audience with a familiar voice and accent: “Why do you play better for the Nazionale with that system, dammit?”
Insigne laughed heartily once he realised who was speaking and replied: “It’s the fault of the Coach! It’s always the fault of the Coach!”
Dimaro, i tifosi del Napoli incontrano Manolas, Insigne e Mertens. Ad un certo punto, domanda di Carlo Ancelotti da Reggiolo… pic.twitter.com/SIT0iJL8Ql
— Claudio Russo (@claudioruss) July 15, 2019