WHO IS EZEQUIEL LAVEZZI?

Even the strayed Argentinean sailor will probably be compared to Maradona in Naples. In this part of Italy Diego is the measure for everything, bigger than life and yet sometimes despised like the trash, piling up by the gate of the magnificent bay.

Such comparison didn’t pass Lavezzi by either, but unlike some of his previous colleagues, he managed to mark one part of Napoli history just like Maradona did. The quality of these two players is beyond any comparison, but clearly “El Pocho“ as Lavezzi is called, has done a lot to keep rash Napoli with their unrealistic ambitions on the map of Italian football.

It is less known that Lavezzi’s first contact with Europe was in 2004, when European scouts brought him to Genoa, but he was considered to be better off gaining experience at home, so they let San Lorenzo have him. Already as a 19-year old he showed potential in a strong league, having scored six goals for the new club and was immediately recognized as a big talent.

When he was supposed to get back to Italy, Genoa were relegated to the third league because of a scandal, Lavezzi was sold to San Lorenzo, so he continued thrilling fans in Argentina. He was influential for the title in 2007. but it was also a sign that it is time for European odyssey.

Napoli’s director Marino has great contacts in Argentina and he was crucial for bringing Diego Maradona to Napoli by the end of the 80s and this transfer changed the destiny of Napoli launching them to the very top of European football.

Lavezzi arrived to the Apennines for seven million Euros and the new age for newly-promoted Napoli started. However, it was clear form the first moment that even in spite of his potential El Pocho is not in the team that suits his ambitions. Last season Napoli got hold of Intertoto cup, this season they played great in the autumn but as soon as Lavezzi stopped there were no results. Clans started forming inside the squad, the negative atmosphere and terrible results caused Eddi Reja to be sacked. Former Italian national squad boss and Lavezzi didn’t fit in well.

There were rumours, whispers about Lavezzi case; Argentinean picked up his bags after the season was over and his manager came down harsh at the club and their apologies and denials later on, didn’t help. El Pocho sent an apology letter to the fans, but he will have a hard time facing crowded stands at San Paolo again. Some things simply cannot be forgotten.

Money was the problem; the player and his agent claim that a raise was promised but they don’t have it in writing. Liverpool would triple the money for the Argentinean player but Napoli didn’t even consider Reds’ offer. This caused a barrage of accusations of people close to Lavezzi, who think that director Marino is playing with the destiny of this player.

We are yet to see how this saga will end. The Argentinean wanted to stay in Naples but now he is not so sure. Perhaps the story that he wants to leave but not to England is closest to the truth. The options are Milan and Juventus and the agent mentioned that Real is interested but no one confirmed that.

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