Maurizio Sarri hints at Napoli exit amid Chelsea interest

Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri has hinted he could be about to leave the Italian giants amid interest from Chelsea.

Sarri is among the potential candidates to replace Antonio Conte if, as expected, the current Chelsea boss departs in the coming weeks after a fractious season at Stamford Bridge.

The 59-year-old has a year remaining on his contract and his boss, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, warned Sarri after the Partenopei’s final game, a 2-1 win over Crotone, that “time’s up” for him to make a decision on his future.

Though Sarri didn’t confirm where he will be next season he offered a strong indication that he will not be at the Stadio San Paolo next season.

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“Everything in life ends and it is better to finish things after writing a beautiful story,” Sarri said.

“I don't know if I will stay, I have to talk about it with my family.

“The situation is complicated. You can't say you're ready to go and try again with this squad when you don't know that everyone will remain here. I don't know if the club will manage to keep the players who have release clauses when offers will come in from big clubs.

“What I do think is that I could not go directly to another Italian team, and that if I had to make a change I would prefer to go abroad.”

The victory over Crotone meant Napoli ended their Serie A season on 91 points, the highest tally ever recorded by a non-champion in the division. Ultimately they were unable to catch Juventus, who claimed their seventh successive Scudetto by a margin of four points.