Aurelio DeLaurentiis, president of Napoli, responded with a provocative question to speculation about a possible sale of the club: "Is there anyone capable of paying for my 25 years of effort?" The statement emerged during an interview on TG5, immediately after receiving the Golden Collar of Sporting Merit from CONI. The president reiterated his long-term commitment to Napoli, underlining that, despite initial difficulties, the club has been rebuilt with dedication and passion.
In DeLaurentiis' telling, the 25 years on the job were not only a period of growth, but also of struggle. When he first attempted to buy Napoli, the proposal was rejected and the club ended up bankrupt. Only subsequently did he manage to regain possession of the company, transforming it into a competitive and recognized reality on a national and international level. The president expressed the hope that, together with Giovanni Malagò, significant changes can be made, but also underlined the importance of dialogue with Ceferin and Infantino to ensure that football respects the fans and the health of the athletes, especially in an increasingly crowded calendar.
DeLaurentiis then commented on the current football landscape, citing examples such as DeBruyne in Belgium and Allegri's management in Italy. He praised Allegri's ability to maintain a positive environment on the pitch and observed with interest the surprises of teams such as Frosinone and Cagliari, highlighting the need to strengthen all clubs to avoid competitive imbalances. The president also expressed his opinion on the European championship, recalling Napoli's difficult experience in the Champions League the previous year and reiterating his confidence in the fact that "the best wins".
The issue of club ownership was addressed with particular attention. DeLaurentiis asked if there was anyone willing to recognize the value built over a quarter of a century, leaving open the possibility of a future sale, should a suitable offer arise. He also recalled his decision to keep the name “Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli” in honor of the Neapolitans and the legendary Maradona, underlining the importance of respecting the history and identity of the club.
With the season underway, Napoli continues to compete in both Serie A and the Champions League, while DeLaurentiis remains focused on the club's future. His declaration of "if there is anyone capable of paying for my efforts, come forward" leaves open the prospect of a possible transition, but at the moment the president seems determined to continue building Napoli as one of the most respected teams in Italian football.