honoured to be part of the San Paolo set-up and
has set his sights on battling past Athletic Bilbao
in the Champions League playoff
Jonathan de Guzman revealed that the chance to
play for Rafael Benitez was a major factor in his
decision to sign for Napoli.
The Netherlands midfielder, who has spent the
last two seasons on loan at Swansea City, arrived
in Naples from Villarreal last week.
And Canada-born De Guzman says the offer from
Napoli would have been difficult to turn down.
"Benitez is a great coach in the game, he has
coached great clubs and of course Napoli is no
exception," he said at his unveiling. "Certainly his
presence here has influenced my decision to
choose Napoli, whilst he also knows how to play
well.
"With him I can learn so much.
"I thought that this is the right decision. I can
learn so much here. Napoli is a great place, and
for me this is an honour.
"Napoli are a great club with a great history, here
I have the chance to play in the Champions
League and I hope to do that.
"Italian football fascinates me, Napoli have been
at the top in recent years. I have played in
Holland, Spain and England, I wanted a new
experience."
De Guzman is eager to help Napoli's fight for the
Scudetto this season but says qualifying for the
Champions League group stage is the club's
immediate priority.
"Our targets? We aim to do well in all
competitions, whilst the ambition is to play in the
Champions League.
"Napoli can finish top of the table, I would like to
provide my contribution. I hope to be a part of
this team for a long time.
"The Scudetto and the rivalry with Juventus? The
league is important, whilst since I have arrived I
have heard a lot about the rivalry with the
Bianconeri.
"Now, though, we are thinking of progressing
further in the Champions League."
Napoli visit Athletic Bilbao in the second leg of
their Champions League play-off on Wednesday
after drawing 1-1 at Stadio San Paolo.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.