James: Napoli an 'historic' club

By Football Italia staff

James Rodriguez has confessed that Napoli are an ‘historic’ club, while David Ospina claims the midfielder ‘would like’ to make the move.

James initially refused to comment on reports linking him with Napoli, while Mundo Deportivo suggested Real Madrid were hoping to exchange him in part for Neymar.

However, he later told Tuttomercatoweb: “I think Napoli are an historic club, Maradona played there, but I repeat, I’m only thinking about the Colombian national team.

“Napoli are a club with history. They had Diego and therefore we have standards to live up to.

“The days will come to think about it. Right now I’m thinking about the Colombian national team.”

Ospina then called for his Colombia teammate to join him at the San Paolo.

“We know what James is worth and what he can represent,” he added to the website.

“It would be great to have him help us achieve our objectives. We’ll see... we’re waiting for him to make his decision. And we hope he makes the best decision.

“He knows Napoli are a great team, and he’d like to come. He has to make a decision for his life and his career.

Has the Arsenal loanee been helping Aurelio De Laurentiis engineer James’ arrival?

“Oh yes... we hope [he comes]. We’re helping out, let's see what we can do. But it’s James who will make the decision.

“I think he’s focused on the Copa America right now. I think his decision is more likely to come after the Copa. If something happens before then, it would be great.”

Gazzetta dello Sport, meanwhile, writes the 27-year-old has agreed a €6m salary with Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Moreover, they will pay €5m to sign him on loan for next season, with €35m to follow if his move is made permanent.

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