Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly says it would be an honour to be made an honorary citizen of Naples. The Senegalese international has been with Napoli since 2014 and is adored by the clubs fans, having turned down offers to move to Barcelona and other European sides.
Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss, Koulibaly explained his bond with the city of Naples and Napoli’s push in the title race.
My head is only focussed on Sunday. In Bergamo it will be a very difficult challenge, we have always suffered against them. Atalanta are a great team however, we too are up to par and we must demonstrate that we are a great group. Important players will be missing, it is true, but we have a competitive squad and we can have our say. Victor Osimhen will not be there on Sunday but Dries Mertens is there. Dries is a. great champion, he is a fantastic man, he is our ‘Ciro’ and we have so much confidence in him.
Becoming an honorary citizen of Naples? It would be a beautiful recognition. I care a lot about Naples, the city, the people, the environment and the fans. I feel Neapolitan and I am very attached to this land. I love Naples and I would like to share many joys with the Neapolitans. The footballer ends his career but the man remains and I would like to remain forever in the hearts of the Neapolitans.
With Spalletti the relationship is wonderful. As soon as he arrived I put myself at his complete disposal, he taught me a lot and I am giving all of myself to help him. I know I can count on him and he knows he can count on me. We have a beautiful relationship, the mister has always given us motivation and helped us. This energy is very important for the group.
Racism? We know that even today there are episodes of racism. But we must continue to drive racism out of football and the world. Me and my other teammates, we will continue to fight against this phenomenon because we are all united and there are no divisions of race and language.”
