Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis admits he couldn't block Kalidou Koulibaly from leaving for Chelsea.

De Laurentiis admits Barcelona were also keen on the Senegal defender.

“I let Koulibaly go because he asked me to," De Laurentiis told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

“Barcelona had come in, but they didn't have the money because they are in debt. Then Chelsea came forward and we couldn't say no to someone like Koulibaly, despite the fact I tried in every possible way to keep him, offering €6m per season net.

“But if a player wants a new experience at a prestigious club, in the biggest league in the world, you have to recognise what he's given you and not put up walls."