Signed by Juventus for the princely sum of €90million, it’s fair to say that Gonzalo Higuain has taken quite a lot of flack from Napoli fans for his decision to join a fierce rivals of late.
After staying silent whilst the Argentine’s representative’s dotted the the I’s and crossed the T’s, Higuain has revealed one rather large factor in his decision to up sticks and move to Turin.
The French born former Real Madrid striker pointed the finger at Napoli’s infamous president Aurelio De Laurentiis, citing the relationship breakdown with the film producer as a key reason.
Just days prior, De Laurentiis laid into Higuain when speaking to the Corriere dello Sportover over the impending move, commenting;
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.
Some sour grapes of Van Persie-esque proportions there.
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.
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.
Higuain’s popularity in Naples reached Maradona-like proportions during his three seasons at the club, with the 28-year-old firing a quite superb 71 goals in 104 league games.
It’s fair to say, what’s Napoli’s loss will no doubt be the Old Lady’s gain.