Toni claims Napoli interest

Al Nasr striker Luca Toni says he almost signed for Napoli in the January transfer window.

Toni, 34, joined United Arab Emirates outfit Al Nasr last month after being frozen out of Juventus’ squad following the arrival of coach Antonio Conte.

“I was close to joining Napoli, I would have liked to wear the shirt of such a strong club,” Toni told Il Mattino.

“I would like to congratulate their president (Aurelio De Laurentiis), who has built a top team.”

Toni, who scored two goals in 14 Serie A appearances for Juve, said he is an admirer of the man who would have been his team-mate had the move gone through, Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi.

“He (Lavezzi) has always impressed me,” Toni said.

“I would have liked to play with him.”

“His assists are great, he knows how to score and he is selfish just to the right point.”