Gonzalo Higuain has revealed that it was "difficult" for him to leave Napoli for Juventus as he eyes a reunion with his former club.
The striker left Napoli for the Serie A champions in a £75m move last summer, and caused widespread consternation among fans of the Naples club for his apparently traitorous ways.
In an interview with Tuttosport (via Football Italia), the Argentina international explained that his decision to leave the San Paolo stadium for Turin was not one he made lightly, as he recalled his time under former head coach Maurizio Sarri fondly.
He said: I had three marvellous years in Naples and will always be grateful to the fans. I left Maurizio Sarri and the team on good terms and still keep in contact with many of my former teammates. Not with the President, though¦
When my brother told me that Juve were interested, I remained calm. The Juventus directors were very determined and it was a difficult decision. It was what I felt was the best choice for me. I can assure you it was not a decision I made in just two days.�
Higuain was also quizzed on any potential dreams of winning the coveted Ballon d'Or award, but the 29-year-old stated that he would prefer to win titles with his club than only pick up personal accolades.
Gonzalo Higuain has now scored 15 goals in 24 games so far this season in all competition.������ pic.twitter.com/qnOahtMvOm
He continued: I want to repay the faith the club put in me and I think over the first six months it has been positive. We're top of the Serie A table and are progressing in the Coppa Italia and Champions League. We hope to continue like this and win titles.
I am honestly not thinking about the Ballon d'Or. It depends on the season you have and frankly I prefer to win with Juventus. If I can get both, then that's even better.�
Higuain signed a five-year contract with Juventus upon completing his move to I Bianconeri - a deal that will take him to the age of 34 providing he stays with Massimiliano Allegri's men for the duration of his contract. When asked about whether Juventus would be his last club in Europe, however, the ex-River Plate star remained coy over his future in the game after June 2021.
He added: I don't know. I only arrived six months ago and have a five-year contract. My mind is here. When the contract expires, I will be 34 years old and that won't be the end of my career. We'll see.�
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