Kostas Manolas has signed for Napoli from AS Roma on a transfer fee of €36 million.
The Greek centre-back became an integral part of Roma since joining the club from Olympiacos in 2014 on a fee of €15 million. Manolas made 206 appearances for Roma, scoring 8 goals and providing 7 assists.
Manolas helped Roma to second place in Serie A in 2016-17 but the thing for which he will be remlembered best is scoring the third goal for Roma against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals last year. Manolas’ goal helped Roma beat Barca on away goals and reach their first Champions League semi-final for the first time in nearly 35 years.
This season, Manolas made 35 appearances for Roma, scoring twice. However, Roma failed to qualify for the Champions League as they ended 6th in the Serie A, thus settling for a Europa League berth. They reached the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia and the last 16 of the Champions League, losing to Fiorentina and Porto respectively.
There were several reports linking Manolas to a move away from Roma. The likes of Manchester United and Arsenal were linked to the Greek defender. With Raul Albiol leaving the club, Manolas will most likely partner Kalidou Koulibaly in central defence.
