Transfer Centre

Napoli president: 'I want Gonzalo Higuain at San Paolo forever'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 20 June 2016

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis expects Gonzalo Higuain to stay at the club for "at least the next five years" - but would keep him at the San Paolo "forever" if possible.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has claimed that star striker Gonzalo Higuain will remain at the club for "at least the next five years" - but he would ideally keep the player there "forever".

The 28-year-old Argentine is reportedly on the radar of several teams across Europe after setting a new Serie A record of 36 goals in a season last year.

De Laurentiis, however, believes that the purported Liverpool target will commit his long-term future to the Partenopei "if his words are sincere".

"How nice to see him scoring and celebrating as if he's wearing the Napoli shirt," De Laurentiis said of Higuain on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

"He's a champion, because he plays for the pleasure of scoring goals, a real striker who should be respected. If his words are sincere, he'll play for Napoli for at least the next five years.

"I'm ready to extend his contract, I'm so fond of him as a man and as a player. I want Pipita to stay at Napoli forever."

The French-born striker started his career at Argentine giants River Plate before moving to Real Madrid in 2007, and subsequently joined the Partenopei in 2013.