Napoli forward Dries Mertens has revealed the role Rafael Benitez played in convincing him to join the Serie A giants.
The Belgian has developed into a key player for Napoli since joining the club from PSV Eindhoven in 2013 and is one of the stars of the team at the San Paolo.
The 31-year-old has developed into a potent forward in Italy and has scored 100 goals in 254 appearances for the Serie A giants since joining the club in 2013.
Mertens joined Napoli while Benitez was the manager at the San Paolo and the Belgian admits that the Spaniard played a personal role in convincing him to move to the club.
He conceded that Benitez’s ability to speak different languages helped him to settle down at Napoli and admits that the Spaniard was like a father-figure to him at the San Paolo.
In an interview with the Times, Mertens said: “When he called me, he said, ‘I really want you.’ Napoli always say, ‘We wanted you,’ but I think it was Benitez. And I was, ‘Oh, its Rafa Benitez on the phone.’
“For me, it was a great big step because nobody speaks English here.
"But Rafa spoke French, English, Italian, Spanish, he speaks every language and made me feel at home.”
Mertens also revealed the advice Benitez quickly gave him.
He continued: “At my first training session he said, ‘Try to learn this language as soon as possible but, if there is anything you need, ask me.’
“He was like a real father.”
