He is a free man,” De Laurentiis said of Spalletti. “After 50 years in cinema [as producer], and so many exclusives with directors, actors, when someone comes to you and says: ‘After all, I’ve done my best, a cycle of my life has ended, I still have a contract with you, but I’d rather have a sabbatical year.’ What are you going to do, are you going to oppose it?

“You have to be generous in life, I never expect anything in return. He gave us, I thank him, now it’s right that he continues to do what he loves to do.”

Garcia, Adriana. “Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti to leave, take sabbatical after Serie A title win.” ESPN, 29, May 2023, https://global.espn.com/football/story/_/id/37751868/napoli-boss-spalletti-leave-serie-title-win

When Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis speaks we quote him. Might he be the most underrated owner in football? Maybe the most underrated character in football?