Chelsea player slams Napoli President over disrespect to Africa

Chelsea new signing, Kalidou Koulibaly shows no love for former Boss, the Napoli president over his comments regarding Africa and the AFCON tournament.

He accused the Napoli President, De Laurentiis of showing disrespect to the African teams and players over his negative attitude regarding the African Cup of Nations.

Yesterday, it was reported that the chairman informed the media that Napoli as far as he was still in charge would no longer go after African players unless they agree to a contract not to play for their respective countries in African tournaments.

This of course did not sit right with Koulibaly who was once a Napoli player and had spent 8 seasons at the club and at Naples, the city prior before joining Chelsea.

The Chelsea defender was part of the Senegalese team that won its first maiden AFCON title in the last season while taking a break from playing for Napoli.

According to the Senegal captain, the Napoli supporters do not share De Laurentiis’ opinion saying:

“For me, the most important thing is to respect everybody. You cannot speak about an African national team like this. You have to have respect as you have for the other national teams.

“I think not everyone in the club has the same idea as him. I know everybody over there, I know the supporters, and the supporters don’t think like this.”

Koulibaly further revealed in another interview that De Laurentiis had held him from leaving Napoli to Chelsea way earlier in 2015 when the Blues had made attempts for him.

“I asked respectfully to the owner that I wanted to leave for Chelsea but he told me that it wouldn’t be possible,

“So I waited a bit and continued my conversation with them but they really didn’t want me to leave the club so I decided to renew my contract to stay in Napoli.” He said.

“With my personal experience, I know you don’t have to give a limit to your dream and my dream is to win everything with Chelsea,” Koulibaly added.

“I don’t come with arrogant behavior. I come with respect, a lot of respect for everybody, but I know Chelsea is a big team and a team that has to win, that’s used to winning.”