Sassuolo midfielder Matteo Politano admits missing a January move to Napoli did hurt him.

Politano saw a switch fall through on deadline day.

“Who knows what would've happened if I had made the move," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Those were chaotic days. I was afraid that I'd lost the big chance to really change my career, but (director of sport Giovanni) Carnevali and (Coach Beppe) Iachini said the right things and helped me realise I would have other opportunities.

“It did take a few days for me to get over that disappointment and I was helped by my family, representatives and my girlfriend Silvia.

“I firmly believe you create your own destiny, so I resumed giving my all to save Sassuolo from relegation and prove what I could do.

“I don't think I have matured completely, but over the last few months I have grown a great deal. This is my best season. Iachini changed my position, as from a winger I have now become a support striker, meaning I have more freedom to follow my instinct."