Official Announcement: Napoli and Mario Rui Part Ways

Napoli and Mario Rui have agreed to mutually terminate the defender’s contract, as announced by the club on Monday. This decision comes after a significant shift in the player’s role within the team, especially under the management of Antonio Conte, who has yet to utilize the full-back in any Serie A matches this season.

Last season, Rui was a more active presence on the pitch, making a notable 28 appearances across all competitions. However, his situation has since changed dramatically. With the arrival of Conte, who implemented a different tactical approach, Rui found himself sidelined, failing to secure a single minute of playtime in the current Serie A campaign. This lack of opportunities likely contributed to the mutual termination of his contract, which was originally set to expire in the summer of 2026.

The mutual agreement allows both the club and the player to move forward, with Rui now positioned to explore opportunities as a free agent, joining any club of his choosing without the constraints of a transfer fee. “SSC Napoli and Mario Rui Silva Duarte announce that they have mutually agreed to terminate the existing contract as of December 30, 2024,” stated the announcement published on the Partenopei’s official website. The statement further expressed gratitude towards Rui, noting, “Napoli thank Mario Rui for his commitment during his years in the blue jersey, wishing him the best for the continuation of his career.”

Mario Rui’s journey with Napoli began in 2017, and over the years, he became a reliable figure on the left flank, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive and offensive play. During his tenure, he played a total of 173 Serie A matches, including 22 appearances during the club’s title-winning campaign under coach Luciano Spalletti in the 2022-2023 season. This remarkable achievement marked a high point in his career with the club, but the recent changes have led to this amicable parting, paving the way for new beginnings for both the player and the team.