Koulibaly "melted my heart", our relationship is "wonderful" - Chiellini

Kalidou Koulibaly, a professional footballer who plays as defender (center-back) for Italian Serie A club Napoli and the Senegalese National Team - Getty 

Giorgio Chiellini recalls the time Napoli rival Kalidou Koulibaly "melted his heart" after an own goal against Juventus earlier this season.


Chiellini courted controversy for his no-holds-barred criticism of Felipe Melo and Mario Balotelli in his new autobiography 'lo, Giorgio'.

However, he depicted Kalidou in a far more flattering light.

"I respect Kalidou a lot and l got to talk to him, to understand what kind of person he was."

The Senegalese turned into his own net back in August to gift a 4-3 win against Napoli, prompting the 35-year old to hug him on the pitch.

Koulibaly tackles Juventus Portuguese playmaker Cristiano Ronaldo - Getty

"I think back to pur embrace on the Allianz Arena pitch after his own goal in Juve-Napoli on August 31.

"I've always had a wonderful relationship with him. A player so strong, a person so decent that in the 92nd minute of a key encounter, he makes such a mistake!

"Seeing him with that face melted my heart: I felt I had to comfort him with a couple of words, nothing more.

"You're the best, everyone makes mistakes."
Football-Italia