Director of Napoli Cristiano Giuntoli has come forth and stated categorically that the team has no remorse over missing on Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite holding a sizable lead at the top of Serie A, Gli Azzurri have struggled to score in recent games.
In the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against AC Milan on April 19, they faced their Italian rivals in an effort to overcome a 1-0 deficit.
AC Milan started with the same squad that beat Napoli 4-0 in a comprehensive performance earlier this month, while Napoli boss, Luciano Spaletti was forced to make several changes in the absence of Kim Min-jae and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – both through suspension – and Giovanni Simeone, who is still recovering from injury.
With Nigerian superstar, Victor Osimhen back in action from injury, it came as a slight boost for Napoli but they fell short in the second leg and could only manage a 1-1 draw.
‘We never thought of CR7’
Prior to the Champions League second leg, Giuntoli was asked about rumours Napoli wanted to sign Ronaldo over the summer, something he strongly denied.
“In all honesty, we never even thought about it. We had some financial parameters we needed to stick to and thought we could surprise people more with a group of lads who were eager to prove themselves,” he said, per FootballItalia.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr at the turn of the year and has been in decent goal-scoring form for the Saudi Arabia giants. As per Transfermkt, he has 11 scores so far for his new team.
However, there has been a general feeling that Al-Nassr has fallen off since the Portugal star’s arrival, with the club in danger of missing out on the league title despite being in pole position before Ronaldo had signed on.
Cristiano taunted with Messi chants
It was earlier reported on how Ronaldo was taunted with Messi chants by Al-Hilal fans on Tuesday, in a frustrating night for the veteran.
The Portuguese phenom’s side was dealt a crushing blow thanks to a brace from Nigerian striker, Idion Ighalo at the King Fahd International Stadium.
The result left Al-Nassr three points behind Saudi Pro League leaders, Al-Ittihad, who have a game in hand and look set to claim this season’s crown.