Napoli have categorically denied allegations made by former player Jonathan de Guzman that a club director assaulted him.
De Guzman, 31, joined I Partenopei following the 2014 World Cup finals but would enjoy one full season at the Serie A giants before ultimately joining Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2017 following loan spells with Carpi and Chievo.
Not quite the good life. Five things you need to know…
- De Guzman featured across three matches for Holland at the 2014 World Cup finals.
- His performances led to Napoli signing him from Swansea City.
- De Guzman enjoyed one season at Stadio San Paolo before completing his four-year contract on loan at Carpi and Chievo.
- He would leave Italy by joining Eintracht Frankfurt on a free transfer in July 2017.
- De Guzman in September 2018 became only the eighth player to score in each of Europe’s top four leagues.
In a recent interview with Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant the 14-time Dutch international revealed of being misdiagnosed by the club before director Cristiano Giuntoli punched him, something Napoli have since rubbished.
“In response to recent comments made by Jonathan de Guzman to Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant, SSC Napoli would like to stress that his version of the events in question, which took place over three years ago, is entirely false,” a statement from Napoli read.
“The club reserves the right to protect its image and that of its employees via the appropriate legal channels.”
Who is Cristiano Giuntoli?
A former defender Giuntoli enjoyed a 17-year playing career which saw him predominantly turn out in Italy’s lower leagues. Since hanging up his boots a decade ago Giuntoli would turn his hand into upper-management by becoming sporting director at Carpi before Napoli hired him for the same role in 2016.
How did De Guzman fare in Napoli colours?
De Guzman, who began his professional career at boyhood club Feyenoord, would criss-cross Europe – playing in Spain (RCD Mallorca and Villarreal) and England (Swansea City) – before he became only the second Dutchman, after club hero Ruud Krol, to sign for Napoli.
The versatile footballer, who can play in various midfield positions, would only represent the club for one season. De Guzman featured across no fewer than 36 matches for the Neapolitans registering seven goals and creating a further three for his teammates.
His time in southern Italy was marred by injury which reduced his league appearances to 23. It soon became clear he wasn’t in the clubs plans as he’d serve a spell on loan at Carpi (one goal in five matches) and then Chievo (two goals across 27 matches).
Since leaving he’s played a pivotal role in Eintracht Frankfurt’s ascent. De Guzman’s first season (2017/18) culminated with a DFB-Pokal cup win, over league champions Bayern Munich, and so far this campaign Adi Hutter’s men find themselves sitting fourth in the Bundesliga table after 11 matches.
QUIZ: Can you name every national team to make a World Cup quarter-final?
De Guzman was famously part of a Dutch team which reached a World Cup semi-final. So, the question is, can you name every national team to make the quarter-finals? Let us know how you got on below in the comments or via Twitter (@Squawka).
The post Napoli relase statement denying claims Jonathan de Guzman was punched by director appeared first on Squawka News.
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