Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis unveiled new boss Gennaro Gattuso with the nickname ‘Ringhio Starr’ but assured he and Carlo Ancelotti “remain friends”.
De Laurentiis sacked Ancelotti just yesterday, despite the former Real Madrid boss guiding Napoli to the Champions League last 16 the same evening.
“It seems only right to salute Ancelotti, who has been with us so far. We remain friends,” he explained at a press conference to present Gattuso.
Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis unveiled new boss Gennaro Gattuso with the nickname ‘Ringhio Starr’ but assured he and Carlo Ancelotti “remain friends”.
De Laurentiis sacked Ancelotti just yesterday, despite the former Real Madrid boss guiding Napoli to the Champions League last 16 the same evening.
“It seems only right to salute Ancelotti, who has been with us so far. We remain friends,” he explained at a press conference to present Gattuso.
“It disappoints me, I read somewhere from a lady who perhaps has not been in football, that there were some disagreements and clashes with Ancelotti.
“That is not true, I've denied it many times. I am sorry things went like this, but often there are divorces between man and wife, still keeping a good rapport.
“We cultivated a dream together, we suddenly woke up, so with great responsibility, also not to ruin his extraordinary CV, I tried to safeguard him and say dear Carlo, the time has come to go our separate ways.”
The film producer then coined a cheeky nickname for Rino, inspired by Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
“Do not ask me questions, for I will not reply. Not even one. We will have time for that.
“This is the time for Ringhio Starr – that can be his new nickname, Ringhio Starr!
“He needs no introduction, but he does need your help. I feel he has assimilated what he said under Arrigo Sarri [Sacchi, ndr], gathered up the leftovers of Milan and took them into fifth place.
“I thank you all, I'll let you know when we can meet for a long chat. Meanwhile, Forza Napoli, and we'll see you all at the stadium on Saturday.”