Mario Rui: Winning the scudetto was pure joy, not surprised by Spalletti to Juventus | OneFootball

Former Napoli player Mario Rui spoke in an interview just a few days before the match between Napoli and Juventus. The Portuguese defender touched on various topics: from anecdotes about the 2023 Scudetto to his relationship with Conte and more.

Mario Rui: “The Scudetto was an immense joy. Spalletti at Juve? I wasn’t surprised”

Mario Rui, former Napoli defender for a full 7 seasons, gave an interview to the Turin sports newspaper Tuttosport just days before the match between Napoli and Juventus. Many topics were discussed, including anecdotes from his time in the blue shirt and more. Here are his words:

You are immortal in Naples: you were the vice-captain of the third Scudetto. How does that make you feel?

“Immortal is a strong word, maybe too big for me. I was lucky: winning the Scudetto there is an immense, indescribable joy. It’s overwhelming. What I remember most is that we laid the foundations for that triumph during training camp: many important players for the team had left. In Dimaro, we came together and became united, we made a pact. There were many people who doubted us, except Spalletti. During the training camp, we bonded and became a very strong group, we really enjoyed being together.”

Speaking of strange effects, now Luciano Spalletti is at Juve. What was your reaction when you found out?

“I wasn’t surprised: he’s the best, the most reliable coach. Juve needed a great coach. With the mister, we shared many wonderful moments: finding someone better than him who was available was impossible.”

Was he the coach who gave you the most in your career?

“I would struggle to choose between him and Sarri. Maurizio shaped me technically and tactically, he gave me football knowledge that I’ve carried with me everywhere. Spalletti, on the other hand, is the most complete coach I’ve ever had, I think he’s the best for how he manages every aspect of the group: from the pitch to the locker room, even communication.”

Is there an episode that makes your relationship inseparable?

“He brought me to Rome, but I immediately got injured during training camp. I was down psychologically, I never felt good physically. Before the match against Palermo, he told me ‘I’ll trust you, even if you’re not well. You deserve it for how you’ve been working.’ He cared about me, he didn’t abandon me in the most difficult moments: I gave him everything I had, but he repaid me with his respect and esteem.”

Do you remember a speech he gave to the team? When did he manage to move you?

“That’s the beauty of Spalletti: he prepared every pre-match speech to make us feel a strong emotion. He knew how to touch your heart, you’d go on the pitch and fly. I think 80% of that Scudetto was thanks to him: just think that he slept at Castelvolturno, it was his bunker. He sacrificed everything for the team, even his private life.”

Francesco Avano

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