There were only 48 hours left in the winter transfer window, and Napoli could not work out a deal with Genk. But Rafa was true to his word, and he bought me in the summer. When I arrived for my medical, I was very nervous, because I didn’t speak any Italian yet. I was greeted by the chairman, Mr. De Laurentiis, in the hallway. And I think this says everything about Napoli and the club.
He’s looking at me kind of funny, and he says, “Oh, you’re Koulibaly?”
I say, “Yes, I am Koulibaly.”
He says, “But you’re not tall? Aren’t you 1.92 meters?”
I say, “No, Mr. President, I am 1.86 meters.”
He says, “Damn! It is written everywhere that you are 1.92! I am going to have to speak to Genk and get some money back!”