The hierarchy of Italian Football can be known for saying inappropriate things (Their FA President Carlo Tavecchio once referred to black players as ‘banana eaters’) among a few other examples, and in contrast Napoli's President Aurelio De Laurentiis' words - while nowhere near as bad, but still most certainly ill-advised.
Pepe Reina’s Napoli exit now seems almost certain after an odd incident involving the Club President during the squad’s end of season dinner.
During his speech at the end of the meal, President De Laurentiis made a comment that was reminiscent to that of a parent who disapproved of their child’s boyfriend/girlfriend because they believed they were harming their school grades. He apparently told Pepe that he had to “give up some outside distractions to become stronger” in front of everyone, and as you probably imagined neither Pep or his wife Yolanda Ruiz were too impressed.
Unbelievable for Pepe Reina. At club's dinner, Napoli president jokes about his nightlife, Reina's wife leaves the table, Pepe follows
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) May 25, 2017
Reina and Ruiz then apparently walked out whilst De Laurentiis backtracked claiming he was joking about the whole thing. The pair then took to social media in what is believed to be a subtle dig at The President.
— Pepe Reina (@PReina25) May 23, 2017
“The true elegance is to remain indifferent to people who are worth little.”
Yolanda also posted a caption to Instagram that said “"When the rulers lose their shame, those who obey lose respect."
Joking or not De Laurentiis’ comments were in incredibly bad taste as Ruiz had spent some time in hospital in recent months after having to undergo an urgent operation for acute appendicitis, this may possibly be the 'distraction' he referred to.
On top of this, Napoli seem to have wasted no time looking for a replacement as Sport Italia are reporting that they have offered Wojciech Szczesny a 3-year-contract. Szczesny, who is still contracted with Arsenal, is said to have had representatives meet with Napoli’s director of sport.
Pepe won’t be feeling too disheartened as rumours of a return to England to join former manager Rafa Benitez have already started circulating. Benitez has been speaking particularly highly of Pepe in recent months saying that he “had a great personal relationship” with him and that Liverpool “missed him” when he went to Bayern Munich.
