Napoli signing Simone Verdi admits former Bologna coach Roberto Donadoni had recommended he move to the Azzurri in January.

Verdi eventually made the switch earlier this summer.

"I'll be tied to the Bologna fans forever, I had a journey to finish," Verdi told Corriere della Sera.

“Donadoni told me: 'you're stupid not to go there'. But I decided along with my fiancée to postpone it.

“I'm here and that's all that counts, I was in constant contact with sporting director [Cristiano] Giuntoli from January to June."