adminROME. — History-making Gonzalo Higuain has declared his love for Napoli but left doubts hanging over his future as rumours persist of a possible move to the English Premier League.
Higuain hit a hat-trick in a dramatic 4-0 win over relegated Frosinone on Saturday to take his league tally for the season to 36 in 35 games, in the process breaking a 66-year-old Italian Serie A scoring record.
AC Milan forward and Sweden legend Gunnar Nordahl’s record of 35 goals in a single, 20-team, three-points-for-a-win Serie A season had stood since 1950.
But at a packed San Paolo stadium Higuain defied torrential rain to produce an overhead kick from the edge of the area and score a record-setting 36th goal of the season.
Higuain’s feat has revived memories of the last Argentine to steal the hearts of the Azzurri fans – Diego Maradona, who helped steer them to their two titles in 1987 and 1990.
Napoli’s win also secured runners-up spot and direct entry to the Champions League, but when asked if he would be at the club next season Higuain was coy.
“We want to think back on the extraordinary season we’ve just had. The team and the whole city deserve to soak it all up,” said Higuain.
Having joined Napoli from Real Madrid on a five-year deal worth 40 million euros in 2013, Higuain has relaunched his career at Napoli although the big improvements have come under coach Maurizio Sarri this season, having failed to reach the heights when Rafa Benitez was in charge.
When he scored his third goal on Saturday, Higuain immediately ran to hug Sarri on the touchlines.
“I want to thank Maurizio Sarri… he has helped me so much, he always told me what I had to do to improve and I always listened,” said Higuain.
“It’s difficult to comprehend but I hope it will all sink in soon. After I scored the third goal and the whole team came to hug me, I felt immense joy.” — AFP.
Online Reporter