Milinkovic-Savic ‘couldn’t say no to Conte’ and makes Napoli pledge

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic reveals contact with Napoli started in March and he ‘couldn’t say no’ to Antonio Conte, then promised a personal sacrifice if they win the Scudetto.

The former Torino goalkeeper had also been approached by Leeds United this summer, but held out for the transfer to Napoli instead.

It is believed to be a loan for €15m with obligation to buy at the end of the season for a further €6m, with the contract to June 2030.

“I found out in March that Napoli were interested in me, so since then I had this strong desire to come here,” said the Serbia international in his presentation press conference.

Milinkovic-Savic battling with Meret for Napoli gloves

His playing time is far from guaranteed, especially as Alex Meret has only recently signed a new contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

“When a coach like Conte calls, you cannot say no. He asked me to work hard in training and be ready,” added Milinkovic-Savic.

“For now, I don’t feel that I am first or second choice. I just came here to be at the disposal of the team, then the coach will decide.”

The famously hirsute goalkeeper was asked what he would give to win the Scudetto at Napoli and made a personal pledge.

“I’d be prepared to shave my beard off if we won the title.”

The younger brother of former Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, the 28-year-old has been in Italy since 2017.

Along with playing for Torino, he also went on loan to SPAL, Ascoli and Standard Liege.

He has 146 Serie A appearances under his belt and hit the headlines last season when saving four Serie A penalties out of seven faced.