Gokhan Inler has insisted he is still committed to Udinese despite not celebrating his goal against Napoli.
Udinese midfielder's lack of celebration fuels talk of move to Napoli
Gokhan Inler has insisted he is still committed to Udinese after choosing not to celebrate his goal against Napoli on Sunday.
The Switzerland international drove home a fantastic finish in the Serie A match to set Udinese on their way to a 2-1 victory.
But he showed little reaction after scoring, leading to increased speculation that he wants to secure a move to Napoli in the summer.
He has now explained his behaviour and stressed it is not certain he will be leaving Udinese at the end of the season.
"I have many friends in Switzerland who are Napoli supporters and they asked me not to score. Out of respect to them, I responded that way," said Inler.
"My heart is black and white and I think I proved that with my performance against Napoli.
"I'm sorry if I offended anyone, as it was not my intention. Once I got back to the locker room, I shouted my joy and embraced my team-mates .
"My future has absolutely not been decided and I haven't signed for another club."
De Sanctis reaction
Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis, however, has admitted that he did not really appreciate Inler's gesture.
"I was angry with Inler for his powerful and precise shot," De Sanctis told
Corriere dello Sport.
"He didn't celebrate and justified it with the story of his Neapolitan friends, but I'd be careful about professing this Neapolitan-ness.
"I don't have much trust in Neapolitan players who play against us. It's easy to talk about Napoli when you're on the outside.
"I say 'Viva Napoli' and 'Viva' above all those who have chosen to be here."
