Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo has penned a letter to the clubs supporters, confirming his intention to remain with the Partenopei. The Azzurri international had previously been linked with a move away from Naples, with some Italian media outlets suggesting he had agreed a move to Juventus.
The latest reports claimed that he had since reconciled with the club, having spoken directly with new coach Antonio Conte. Napoli have now shared a letter from Di Lorenzo, affirming his commitment:
Letter from Giovanni Di Lorenzo
Dear Napoli fans,
In recent weeks, our love has been a bit “scumbinato” (messed up), as Pino Daniele sang in one of his beautiful songs. Even in the most beautiful and intense stories, it happens to experience moments of crisis.
All of us who carry the blue in our hearts have endured 12 very difficult months. For me, they have been the hardest of my career. Going from the unforgettable joy of the Scudetto to the sadness of a season where nothing worked out was a trauma difficult to process. I felt your disappointment on my skin and couldn’t change the inertia of our season with my teammates.
I admit, the idea of leaving crossed my mind. I felt your dissatisfaction towards me and, as the President said, I had the perception of being abandoned by the club. After the collapse we experienced on the field, however, everything was understandable: your anger, the club’s frustration, my confusion.
With Mario Giuffredi, my agent, I have a relationship that goes beyond the professional sphere. He sensed my discomfort and did his job: trying to act in my protection and in my interest. But there’s no one happier than him that I’ve stayed in Napoli.
That cursed season, however, has finally passed. I’ve listened to the words of President De Laurentiis and those of coach Antonio Conte, I’ve spoken with both in recent days, and the message I can convey to you, without making useless proclamations and empty promises, is very simple: I can’t wait to start again. Because I feel like one of you.
There may be other difficult moments, but I will never deny what the City, fans, and the Club, in the person of President De Laurentiis, have done for me and my family. Being the captain of the third Scudetto, the first without Diego, is not just an honor: it’s a responsibility. I couldn’t leave like this, after an unbearable season for the value of the jersey we wear.
I’m sorry for everything that happened to us, but, I repeat, it’s now behind us. In front of me, now, I only see the pride of wearing those colors I love again, that armband, the desire to show Italy the true strength of our Napoli and to relive the thrilling emotions of 2023.
Our city deserves to rejoice again. We have to work hard (“Amma fatica'”) and I assure you we will do it with an angry face, as the coach said. It’s time to raise our heads and we must do it all together. I’ll see you in Castel Di Sangro and then especially at the Maradona Stadium.
I’m waiting for you by our side. As always.
Giovanni
