Napoli, Mertens: 'I've never felt so fresh, I want to stay at Napoli'
- Apollo Heyes
“I've never felt so fresh, I'm 32 years old but I feel better than some 25-26 year olds. Maybe it's because I don't have any children. I'm living the best moment of my career and I'm going to play well for a long time.”
The 32-year-old Belgian commented on him overtaking club legend Diego Maradona in goals scored for the club.
“Maradona record? Of course, I think about it, everyone is talking to me about it! I'm quite proud to be so close to a legend like Diego. I met him twice, but we were in Naples and you know how it goes: everyone went crazy, everyone wanted a photo or an autograph.”
Mertens then hinted towards a possible contract renewal.
“I can only say that I want to stay at Napoli, but at the moment I can't say anything more. I'm Belgian, but I feel like I'm Italian. I'm always out, the sun, the little coffees, the pasta…”
He also promised not to sign for another Italian club if he left Napoli.
“If I leave Napoli, I'll miss everything. I certainly don't see myself signing for another Italian club. It would make me feel strange because I feel at home in Naples.”
Finally, Mertens ruled out a move to either Qatar or China, known for paying incredibly high wages.
“No, I don't see myself signing up for a club in China or Qatar either: as I said, I hope to play for as long as possible at the top of European football. Back in Belgium at the end of my career? No, I don't think so.”
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