Brighton & Hove Albion appointed Roberto De Zerbi as Graham Potter’s successor last September and the Italian has helped the Seagulls qualify for the Europa League for the first time in their history.
The 44-year-old’s impressive work at the Premier League side hasn’t gone unnoticed and has given rise to reports of a possible return to Serie A. Three days ago, Il Mattino stated Napoli chairman Aurelio de Laurentiis ‘dreams’ of hiring the former Sassuolo boss.
De Zerbi had a chat with Bobo TV, and was asked directly about eventually returning to Italy. The Brighton manager’s comments are relayed by Il Napolista.
“I love Italy, our football, because I’m Italian, I’m fine there [in England] now, never had a doubt about coming to Brighton. I get along very well with everyone at Brighton, there is no team that can change my mind, I have made a commitment,” he said.
Despite insisting he’s happy at The Amex, the Italian has left the door open for a future move back to his home country. De Zerbi’s immediate focus, however, is at Brighton.
“I will hopefully return to Italy, I don’t know when, if I have the chance,” De Zerbi explained.
“But I tell you that I like being outside, the emotions I’m experiencing in England, the stadiums, then I improve my language, I know their football. You become master of the league when you exceed 100 matches.”
As it stands, De Zerbi has managed 32 Premier League games for Brighton and will have to wait for close to two seasons to achieve the feat of managing 100 league matches.
