Dries Mertens was one of the protagonists of the season in Naples, not only for incredible numbers, 34 goals and 15 assists in the season, but also for all the difficulties of his renewal. The negotiations to extend the contract, in fact, continued for several months until the official announcement arrived a week ago for his extension until June 2020. Mertens will therefore stay in Napoli, despite the many tantalizing proposals that are arriving, especially those from Barcelona and Chelsea.

BARCELONA - Just Mertens, intercepted by the Belgian press while on duty with the National team, admitted that there have been missed calls from several foreign clubs, including Barcelona. The 30 year old, however, has always given priority to Napoli, where he has found an ideal environment to develop all his potential. "It is true, Barcelona tried for me. They were interested, but I've always said that here I'm fine. If I had accepted I would go to Catalonia to be the reserve for Messi, Neymar and Suarez. I would rather play. It would have been nice, of course, but I have always given priority to Italy and Napoli, which is a city where I have always been very content.''

CHELSEA - The Belgian striker has also revealed another interesting backdrop, which has the directors of Chelsea and especially Antonio Conte, who has never phoned Mertens during. A call that may have made the difference in the attacker’s choice to stay in Italy.  ' Many teams were interested, especially abroad. Chelsea wanted me, but Antonio Conte never called me. In London, I probably would have found less space than I have here in Naples, so I decided to refuse." The contact with the Blues came to an end, but who knows what would have happened if Antonio Conte had raised that handset.