Gokhan Inler opened the scoring in Udinese's 2-1 win over Napoli on Sunday with a tremendous strike from distance. But instead of ripping off his shirt or doing cartwheels or organizing his teammates in a recreation of a scene from "The Godfather," he just walked away like someone who just had to shoot their favorite horse.
Given the stark contrast to the unbridled joy with which most goals are celebrated, this raised some questions. Namely, people wondered if he refused to celebrate because he's in talks to move to Napoli this summer. But Inler says that's not the case at all. You see, he's just super respectful.
From Football Italia:
"I have many friends in Switzerland who are Napoli supporters and they asked me not to score. Out of respect to them, I responded that way," said Inler.
"I had also done it in the Coppa Italia against Milan for the same reason, but all this chaos hadn't happened that time.
"My heart is black and white and I think I proved that with my performance against Napoli. I'm sorry if I offended anyone, as it was not my intention. Once I got back to the locker room, I shouted my joy and embraced my teammates.
"My future has absolutely not been decided and I haven't signed for another club."
How sweet. Now if his agent can just refrain from saying anything that will cast doubt on everything Inler just said...
"He didn't celebrate out of respect for the Napoli fans, as he knows that they love him," claimed agent Lamberti.
So, yeah, looks like he'll be in a Napoli shirt come June.
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