If a few weeks ago, an extension of the contract of Dries Mertens in Naples still seemed possible, everything suggests that the 35-year-old is living his last hours in a club that will have welcomed him for so many years.
At the end of the contract on June 30, the Louvaniste has still not reached an agreement with Napoli to extend a long adventure of 9 years and 148 goals (club record).
“I want to stay, but I haven’t heard anything more from the club. I thought I was going to stay. I don’t really understand that they are waiting so long. It’s weird. In the meantime, I’m without a club. “, explained the Red Devils before facing Poland in the League of Nations on Tuesday.
Et according to the Italian press, despite some exchanges, the situation is at a standstill and should not improve. Too old, too expensive (even if he would have offered a significant drop in his salary), the club legend should no longer tread the lawn of the stade Diego Armando Maradona.
The Belgian will therefore find himself without a home base but not without a destination on the horizon. Despite his age, rumors are rife for the Devils pocket striker. England (Leeds United, Crystal Palace ou Newcastle), France (Marseille) or Spain (Valence or Villeréal) would win him over. Rumors confirmed by the Gazzetta dello Sport but the first choice, according to the famous Italian sports daily, would remain Italy. Dad of a little Ciro since March, two options would be considered: Lazio (where he would find Maurizo Sarrithe coach who made him explode in the eyes of Europe during their joint visit to Naples) or Roma de Jose Mourinho.
In the Italian capital or elsewhere, Dries Mertens does not wish in any case to remain in this delicate situation. Questions that also have repercussions on his performances in the national team. “If I haven’t played in Wales, it’s because I don’t have a club yet. I was a little embarrassed and I didn’t want to take any risks.”
After almost a decade – and iconic status – at the club, Mertens and Napoli are likely to part ways. Decidedly, love stories usually end badly.
