Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has indicated that he is committed to the team’s cause despite the ongoing speculation linking him with a summer departure. The Senegal international is widely regarded as one of the best central defenders in the world and his stock has risen over the past few years despite Napoli’s struggles to secure regular silverware.
Speaking to reporters, Koulibaly said that he has improved as a player in Naples but he has not won anything to show for the progress. He added that he remains committed to the club, who have believed in his abilities and would like to guide the club to some kind of silverware, he said: “I’ve grown compared to five years ago but I haven’t won anything yet. I’m a Napoli player and I’ll give 100 percent to win something with this shirt. The market is full of talk, I prefer facts, which help us win, and to become great together. Napoli have given me so much. After the initial scepticism, their fans appreciated me. I would like to give them a trophy back.”
Manchester United had lodged a bid worth £95m for the centre-back before the turn of the year but Napoli were adamant that the defender was not for sale. Thereafter, there have been reports indicating that the centre-back could cost more than £120m but the current stance from the player suggests that he won’t be leaving Napoli during the summer.
Napoli recently squandered their chance to secure a trophy after they exited the Europa League at the quarter-final stage to Arsenal. The Serie A club were fancied to get the better of the Gunners, who possess a vulnerable defence, but the opposite was witnessed with the north London club securing a 3-0 aggregate triumph. Napoli return to league action on Monday night with a home game against Atalanta.