Piotr Zielinski’s farewell speech

By Antoine Rabito on Tuesday May 21, 2024

Credit: Photo by Icon sport

Polish international Piotr Zielinski wrote a heartfelt letter to Napoli and their fans ahead of a free transfer to Inter, thanking the fans for not “insulting” him when he decided to leave.

Zielinski met his Napoli team-mates on Monday to celebrate his 30th birthday. He has probably already made his last appearance with the Partenopei. Due to a calf injury, he has missed the last four games and is unlikely to return in time for the final league match against Lecce at the Stadio Maradona. The Polish midfielder will join Inter on a free transfer this summer. As Alfredo Pedullà reported, Zielinski wrote a letter and read it in front of his teammates at Monday’s party. “Napoli, I would like to thank you for everything you have done for me. My family and I have never felt as safe as we do here, and I will always remember all the beautiful things and incredible people I have met in Naples. You are extraordinary people, and you should be proud of that. I will always admire your mentality. I will never forget your support and friendship. With you, we have fought in important games and experienced incredible emotions. You are the best fans I have ever had. You have shown me just how enjoyable the world of soccer can be. Here, I have become a man, a leader and the father of my son. My wife and I are grateful for everything that has happened to us here. Thank you for your support. You are my friends. Now it’s time to celebrate and have fun together. You are extraordinary people and I’ve come to know, love and admire you. That means a lot to me,” wrote Zielinski.

Zielinski joined Napoli with a €16 million contract with Udinese in 2016 and won a Coppa Italia and a historic Serie A title with the Partenopei. The Polish midfielder scored 51 goals and provided 46 assists in 364 appearances for the Serie A giants. He has already decided to join Inter at the end of his contract in June and will be one of the first two new signings for the reigning Serie A champions, joining Mehdi Taremi.