Serie A champions Napoli might have secured their first Scudetto after three decades but will lose their manager Luciano Spalletti, as he is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
Spalletti, 64, who took over in July 2021, had a year left on his deal says he is taking a sabbatical leave as he feels worn out.
“I need to take some time to rest because I’m pretty tired,” he said.
“I don’t know if you can call it a year’s sabbatical but I won’t be working. I won’t be coaching Napoli or any other team.”
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said he would “respect” the decision.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster Rai, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said he would respect the decision
“He’s a free man, he’s given us something and I thank him, its right that he does what he wants.”
Napoli became Champions with five games to spare and reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
Italy’s Corriere dello sport has reported Former Roma, Celta and Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, who left his position as Spain boss following the 2022 World Cup, is Napoli’s “ideal candidate” to succeed Spalletti.
Napoli, who drew 2-2 at Bologna on Sunday, play their final match of the season at home to Sampdoria on Sunday.