The history-making Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain has declared his love for Napoli but left doubts hanging over his future as rumours persist of a possible move to the Premier League.
Ends season on high
Higuain hit a hat-trick in a 4-0 win over relegated Frosinone on Saturday to take his league tally for the season to 36 in 35 games, in the process breaking a 66-year-old Serie A scoring record.
Breaks long-standing record
AC Milan forward and Swedish legend Gunnar Nordahl’s record of 35 goals in a single, 20-team, three-points-for-a-win Serie A season had stood since 1950.
But at a packed San Paolo Stadium, Higuain defied torrential rain to produce an overhead kick from the edge of the area and score a record-setting 36th goal of the season.
Coy over future in Serie A
Napoli’s win also secured a runners-up spot and direct entry to the Uefa Champions League. But when asked if he would be at the club next season, Higuain was coy.
“We want to think back on the extraordinary season we’ve just had. The team and the whole city deserve to soak it all up,” he said.
Madrid exit, career reboot
Having joined Napoli from Real Madrid on a five-year deal worth €40 million (Dh166m) in 2013, Higuain has relaunched his career at Napoli although the big improvements have come under manager Maurizio Sarri this season, having failed to reach the heights when Rafa Benitez was in charge.
Gratitude to Sarri
When he scored his third goal on Saturday, Higuain immediately ran to hug Sarri on the touchline.
“I want to thank Maurizio Sarri. He has helped me so much. He always told me what I had to do to improve and I always listened,” he said.
“It’s difficult to comprehend, but I hope it will all sink in soon. After I scored the third goal and the whole team came to hug me, I felt immense joy.”
The Maradona song
Ecstatic fans showed their appreciation at the San Paolo with a rendition of a song only usually reserved for another Argentine – Diego Maradona.
“Oh mamma, mamma, mamma... I’ve seen Higuain,” they sang, and Higuain understood the full significance.
“This season I have felt the love. I feel loved here more than I did at any other club I’ve been,” he said.
Uncertain future
But if Higuain decides to quit Napoli for pastures new over the summer, the love of Napoli’s fans could quickly turn to anger.
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