Napoli boss Antonio Conte insisted he has no anger towards wanton striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Conte confirmed ahead of Napoli's match with Hellas Verona on Sunday that talisman Kvaratskhelia had expressed his desire to leave the club in January.
Paris Saint-Germain are said to be pursuing the 23-year-old, who has been with Napoli since his arrival in 2022.
Kvaratskhelia has directly contributed to 47 goals in Serie A (28 goals, 19 assists) since his debut for Napoli, with only four players recording more goal contributions in the competition in that time.
Only AC Milan striker Rafael Leao (21) has provided more assists than Kvaratskhelia in that period, and only Inter's Federico Dimarco (151) has created more chances than the Georgian's total of 145.
Despite Kvaratskhelia's request to leave, Conte harbors no ill will towards the winger.
“It's a disappointment for me, not for the player or the club,” Conte told DAZN. “Within six months I have not been able to change the situation.
“I believe that a coach should help a club make decisions and advise on which players to sign. When I realize that I have not been able to make a difference here, that is my disappointment.”
“I don't take anything from Khvicha. He is a good boy, but everyone has to decide their own fate, just like the club has to make its decisions.”
Two players crucial to Conte's plans at Napoli are Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku.
The pair played a starring role in Napoli's 2-0 win over Verona to extend their lead at the top of Serie A to four points.
Lukaku assisted Frank Anguissa to score Napoli's second goal after Lorenzo Montipo's early own goal had given the Azzurri the lead.
“There have definitely been changes since the beginning of the summer, especially because I'm still trying to find the right tactics for this team,” Conte said.
“The arrival of Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku in particular made a big difference in the switch to 4-3-3.
“We tried a few different formations before settling on this one.”
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