De Paul open to Inter & Napoli
Udinese star Rodrigo de Paul has revealed that he would be open to joining Inter or Napoli this summer.
De Paul has posted the best returns of his career this season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in Udinese’s quest for Serie A survival.
“I’d say this has been the best season of my career,” the Argentina attacker told Corriere dello Sport.
“I’ve grown and I’m not afraid to take responsibility, to lead the team. I want to play every game and be a leading light.
“There haven’t been any secrets in particular. I’m in the best form of my career: I feel at my peak physically.
“I already have a fair amount of experience and maturity, but I think I can still improve.
“If I have to be honest about my future, right I’m only focused on Udinese and my only thought is staying up, but I’m aware of the speculation about my future.
“I’m ready to play anywhere, but if the teams I read about really want me, we’ll see...
“I don’t go any further than that because it might seem like a lack of respect on my part to talk about this or that club, given that right now I’m playing for survival.
“In June I’ll sit down with the club and my agent and we’ll discuss it. I have a fantastic relationship with the directors and we’ll decide quickly.”
Inter and Napoli are among the clubs linked with the 24-year-old, and he admitted the speculation had made him ‘proud’.
“I wanted to stay here in January and, even if I read certain things, in my head it was clear that I’d stay until June,” he replied when asked about an offer from the Nerazzurri in January.
“I’d given the club my word because leaving midseason, for me, is like playing for 45 minutes and then going off... I didn’t like that at all.
“It’s nice when links with Inter come out because it means I’ve done well. You always work to grow and improve.
“I have a great friendship with Milito, who is the technical secretary of Racing Club, and Samuel, who is the national team’s assistant.
“When Diego talks about Inter, his eyes shine. The same with Walter. It’s a pleasure to listen to their stories.
“Milan is a beautiful city and I’m proud of this talk about me. My family have always loved football and I grew up with stories about Diego in the Napoli shirt.
“When I go to the San Paolo to play, I feel the love of their fans. You think they leave you presents at the hotel because I’m Argentine like Maradona.... it’s exciting.”