Wednesday 12 November 2014 11:48, UK
Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne has vowed to come back stronger after undergoing knee surgery this week.
The Italy international tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Sunday's 1-0 win over Fiorentina.
Insigne went under the knife on Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined for six months.
"These are the most difficult and hard days of my career," Insigne said to sscnapoli.it. "But this injury has given me the opportunity to understand and feel the warmth of the Napoli fans and all the people that have expressed affection towards me.
"I have received so many beautiful and moving messages that will give me further courage and determination to return to the pitch much stronger than before.
"I am proud to be from Naples and I will try to repay the love shown by the fans by giving everything I have to return to have a starring role for my beloved Napoli.
"In the meantime, I will remain close to the group and will be supporting the team and shouting as I've always done since I was a boy: Forza Napoli!".
The 23-year-old Insigne had started in nine of Napoli's 11 league games so far.
Insigne, who was set to be named in Antonio Conte's squad for Italy's upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Croatia, recently extended his contract with Napoli until June 2019.
Napoli are third in Serie A and are also competing in the Europa League this campaign.
