Mertens says Napoli spell could have had 'different' ending

Dries Mertens says his time at Napoli 'could have ended differently' after leaving the club at the end of last season following a breakdown in contract talks.

The Belgium international has ended a nine-year spell at Napoli ahead of the new campaign after failing to agree new terms with the Serie A side and then joined the Super Lig side Galatasaray with a free transfer.

The 35-year-old has been an integral part of the club for the better part of a decade, helping them to two Coppa Italia triumphs and another Supercoppa Italia crown during his tenure.

Reflecting on his exit, Mertens revealed he had kept his family home in the area, while acknowledging talks had started earlier he may well have remained on Napoli's books.

"It's been nine wonderful years," Mertens told DAZN. “Of course, it could have ended differently. I think the club could have talked [about the contract] earlier. I hope I can learn from this experience to become even greater.

"Today I am very happy because my family and I have embarked on a new adventure. I am in a big city and a big club.

"[But] of course leaving Napoli was difficult. My wife cried at the thought of leaving the house, so we decided to keep her and try to spend as much time there as possible. »

Mertens, a Belgian centurion, will likely aim to secure a place in the national team for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.