Reports from Italy suggest Napoli defender Mario Rui may leave the club this summer after talks over a contract renewal stalled. The 32-year-old was a defensive lynchpin for the Partenopei in recent years, playing a massive role in their Scudetto success last season, but there was a suggestion that the club would be reluctant to agree a new contract with the veteran.
Sky Sport Italia now report that Rui’s future at Napoli is ‘far from certain’ as the Portuguese international and his agent have informed coach Rudi Garcia and president Aurelio De Laurentiis that if an offer for him arrives, he would like to leave the club.
The former Roma and Empoli man has expressed dissatisfaction due to the stalemate over his contract renewal. This dissatisfaction, according to leaks from the player’s entourage, who have the same agent as teammates Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Matteo Politano, stems from a commitment made by President De Laurentiis, which was not have followed up by the extension of Mario Rui’s contract (expiring in 2025).
The player would reportedly have extended with Napoli even at lower salary figures from his current ones, but the stalemate means he is now open to leaving Napoli after six seasons.
[Image from ssNapoli.it]
