New Napoli stopper Raul Albiol says he had no doubts about leaving Real Madrid for the San Paolo this summer.
The 28-year-old decided to end his four-year stint with Real after some testing final few months with the Madrid outfit.
“Completing the move took no time, in a few days we arranged everything,” Albiol told El Pais.
New Napoli stopper Raul Albiol says he had no doubts about leaving Real Madrid for the San Paolo this summer.
The 28-year-old decided to end his four-year stint with Real after some testing final few months with the Madrid outfit.
“Completing the move took no time, in a few days we arranged everything,” Albiol told El Pais.
“It was easy to decide – there was Rafael Benitez, they had already signed Jose Callejon, they had a project and Naples has always been a city for football.”
There is a Spanish feel to the Azzurri this summer given that Benitez has replaced Walter Mazzarri who is now with Inter.
“I didn’t talk to the Coach until I was taking the medical. But I have known him for years, in fact I made my debut at Valencia with him, in his final year, against AEK Solna in the UEFA Cup.
“I am back to enjoying the confidence of the Coach, the tension of the games, it is what satisfies you as a professional.”
Centre-back Albiol featured in just 18 League games for Real last term under Jose Mourinho.
“I didn’t ask for explanations when I played and did not expect them when I was not playing. With Mourinho there was never a bad relationship, I always got along with him. That is normal with my boss.
“The last three months at Madrid were unpleasant, because we lost the League, we were eliminated from the Champions League and lost the Copa del Rey Final.
“Maybe last year was the worst in respect of the dressing room atmosphere, but I will stick with the good and my relationship with Mourinho was normal.”