Galatasaray’s Noa Lang opens up about Napoli exit on Dutch TV | OneFootball

After a torrid six months in Italy, Galatasaray new boy Noa Lang recently went into detail about his Napoli departure.

Speaking to ESPN on Dutch TV, the 26-year-old explained his time on the fringes, regrouping on loan in Turkey, and how a relationship with Antonio Conte never blossomed.

“My transfer to Galatasaray speaks for itself.”

“I never really got along with the coach. I know many in Holland think it’s my fault, but sooner or later the truth will come out.”

While that much is true, the man with 15 Oranje caps reiterated his respect for the club he’s still under contract with. “I’m a Napoli player, and I have great respect for the club. I’ve had an excellent relationship with almost everyone at the club.”

“I didn’t want to leave after six months, (but) when Galatasaray’s offer came in, I thought about it for a long time. They’re a great club, but initially I was thinking about staying.”

Although Lang’s time with the Azzurri saw just a single goal and two assists in 27 appearances, he believes these don’t tell the whole story.

“Nine out of ten people at Napoli didn’t want me to leave. I was well integrated into the group, I trained well every day. During the minutes I played, people talked badly about me. But I didn’t agree. Given the style of play we adopted, I think I did well.”

Now, with his eyes on the bigger international picture, Lang looks to refresh his season in Turkey.

“A player needs to feel like he’s being treated fairly. I didn’t get that feeling at Napoli. The World Cup is in the summer. I couldn’t afford to take any risks. That’s also why I chose Galatasaray.”

GIFN | Max Bradfield