Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said he regrets not selling defender Kalidou Koulibaly sooner.
Twenty-nine-year-old Koulibaly continues to be linked with Manchester City. De Laurentiis admits he received a bid over £100 million for the centre-back recently, but he chose not to sell the in-demand defender.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis Regrets Not Selling Kalidou Koulibaly
De Laurentiis: ‘I Was Incorrect’
Speaking to Italian journalist Claudio Russo, De Laurentiis admitted he was wrong to reject an offer of £110 million for Koulibaly.
He also explained how he would be willing to sell the defender in the future. However, the club would require a suitable offer for Koulibaly and the club’s asking price must be met.
De Laurentiis said: “From now on when there are important offers we will all sell, I understand that Italy does not guarantee anything to anyone.
“The fans and I have to live for the day, that’s what they ask of us. I was incorrect not to sell Koulibaly for £110 million.”
Koulibaly and Milik to Leave Napoli
De Laurentiis’ recent admission over Koulibaly’s future comes after he also discussed the prospect of selling the defender and midfielder Arkadiusz Milik.
Earlier this week, when speaking to Canale 21, De Laurentiis explained that both players could leave for an acceptable bid.
In the interview, reported via Football Italia, De Laurentiis said: “Koulibaly and Milik are both on their way out, transfer market permitting.
“So, if the transfer market allows us to sell these two excellent players, we will know how to replace them. If not, then we’ll discuss it again next year.
Koulibaly has represented Napoli for seven years after joining from Belgian side KRC Genk in summer 2014. He has made nearly 250 appearances for the Serie A club and helped Napoli to lift the Italian Cup last season and the Super Cup in 2014.
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