‘I Couldn’t Stand Another Minute With Him’ – Gonzalo Higuain Hits Out At Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis After Juventus Move

Alan Duffy

28th, July 2016

Following his €90million move from Juventus, Gonzalo Higuain has named Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis as one of the main reasons why he made the move from the Stadio San Paolo to Turin.

Speaking for the first time since his high-profile move, Higuain pointed the finger at movie-mogul De Laurentiis, citing the breakdown of the relationship between the two men as a key factor in his decision to leave Napoli.

Higuain’s outburst comes just a day after De Laurentiis himself hit out at the Argentine hitman over the transfer, telling Corriere dello Sport:

Some people say that to speak of betrayal is exaggerated, but I think the opposite because there is the full sense of betrayal in this (Higuain) choice because of the ingratitude shown.

Speaking about his move, Higuain said:

It was my decision to leave, but it was (De Laurentiis) who pushed me into making it. I’d like to thank the fans and my teammates, but not De Laurentiis. I no longer had a relationship with him; I couldn’t stand another minute with him.

However, despite those sourest of grapes, the French-born striker was keen to pay tribute to his former club, saying:

I’ve remained silent in recent days, but these have been three amazing years and I can only say thanks for all the love I was given, but this was a decision I took for my own reasons.

I can understand that they are angry with me and I’ve seen the insults, but it is something I had to do and I’m happy about it.

(Napoli coach Maurizio) Sarri made me grow and he has been a great coach for me, and if he’s angry about me leaving without saying goodbye to him, then I apologise. I can only thank him.

During his three seasons with the Partenopei, the 28-year-old Higuain bagged 71 goals in 104 league games, including a record-breaking 36 in 35 games last season.

However, now the former Real Madrid star will be hoping for Serie A glory with the all-conquering Juventus, who look odds on to dominate the Italian top-flight once again in 2016/17.

Posted in Serie A, Transfers & Rumours

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