Raul Albiol: I want to play on, maybe in Italy, Sarri’s hard to reach | OneFootball

At 40 years old, Raul Albiol has no intention of hanging up his boots. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the former Napoli defender expressed his desire to continue his career, with a specific dream: to return to play in Italy.

Raul Albiol: “I want to keep playing, maybe in Italy. Sarri? It's a mess talking to him, he doesn't have WhatsApp”

“I'm doing great, Villarreal excluded me for personal reasons”

After six seasons at Villarreal, where he won the Europa League and played in the Champions League, Albiol recounted the abrupt end to his experience with the Spanish club:

“I want to clarify right away: I haven't had any injuries or physical problems. I was doing great and I still am. After a first half of the season as a starter, coach Marcelino told me I wouldn't play anymore. Not because of my performance, but for personal reasons. There were no sporting reasons. That's why I want to continue.”

The defender ended the season on the sidelines, not even playing in the last match, the farewell game against Sevilla:

“It was clear that I no longer counted for the coach. I would have preferred a different ending, but that's football.”

The connection with Italy and the memory of Sarri

Albiol, who played six seasons at Napoli with over 200 appearances, does not hide his desire to return to Serie A. And, speaking of his past with the Azzurri, he fondly and with a touch of irony recalled former coach Maurizio Sarri:

“It's a mess talking to Sarri, he doesn't have WhatsApp. But he's a great coach and Napoli rarely makes mistakes in choosing their coaches. It's no coincidence that everyone wants to play there today.”

A free transfer opportunity

With his contract expired and a physical condition that he himself describes as “excellent,” Albiol presents himself as a low-cost market opportunity:

“Signing me today would be a bargain. I can still give a lot, both on and off the field.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.