Gonzalo Higuain has stated that he ‘needed a change of scenery’ in leaving Real Madrid where he ‘constantly had to prove something’ he had ‘already shown’.
The Argentine moved across to Napoli in the summer in a €37m deal, after seven years in the capital.
“It was not an easy decision, it was one that I had already considered,” mused Higuain to Cadena Cope, in reference to first considering his Madrid future at the end of the 2011-12 season.
“The day we won the League there was a change in my mind. The stadium sang for me to stay and in the end I continued for another season.
“It was not a fever, I wanted a change of scenery and to look for new things in my life. It is an important challenge, I want to take Napoli to the top.
“In Madrid I had many years at a high level, but I constantly had to prove something that I had already demonstrated. I needed a change of scenery and new challenges.
“Everything goes better when you have the absolute confidence of your teammates, the directors and the players. I am very happy here.
“The President [Aurelio De Laurentiis] convinced me very quickly. For me the start was important. I am grateful for the seven years in Madrid, but in Napoli I have an affection that every player needs.”