Zlatan Ibrahimovic joining Napoli is ‘more than a suggestion’, says owner Aurelio De Laurentiis
Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis has talked up the possibility of the Serie A club signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, describing the proposed move as “more than a suggestion”.
Ibrahimovic, 39, is out of contract with MLS side LA Galaxy in December and will be available on a free transfer once the play-offs have come to a close.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been one of a few teams to be linked with the Swede over recent weeks, and De Laurentiis has confirmed it is his desire to see him don Napoli’s colours when his time in America comes to an end.
“[Ibrahimovic] is a friend, I met him in Los Angeles not as a footballer but as a normal person because we were in the same hotel,” De Laurentiis told Sky in Italy.
“I invited him over for dinner with his wife and kids and we had an amazing time. It would be my wish to see him in Napoli colours, it’s more than a suggestion and it depends on him. It’s been talked about for a few months now.”
The comments come have the striker himself expressed an interest in returning to Italy, where he has already played as a Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan player.
Speaking to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Ibrahimovic said: ”Italy is my second home, I experienced unforgettable moments there. I would like to go in a team that fights for the title, I can still make a difference. I’m not some sort of zoo animal that people go and see, I can still hit 20 goals per season.
“I appreciated the last documentary dedicated to [Diego Armando] Maradona; nobody is like him. Seeing the passion and love of that city almost makes me want to try out an experience in Naples: it would be fantastic to replicate what Diego did.
“I’m not saying I’ll be going there, the final decision will depend on many factors, but it’s a city that creates a lot of enthusiasm. With me, the San Paolo would sell out every week. And [Napoli boss Carlo] Ancelotti is there, he’s a football great.”
The Italian has also had his say on the proposed move, but was in a more jovial mood as he joked he would call the Swede after he had completed his media duties after Napoli’s 2-0 victory over Verona.
“I’ll call him tonight and say we’re waiting!” Ancelotti told Sky in Italy on Saturday.
“I have a great deal of affection for him, I saw he scored 29 goals in 30 MLS games. Tomorrow, after I’ve called him, I’ll let you know how it went!”
