Dries Mertens has reaffirmed hopes of signing a new deal with Napoli.

The Belgium striker's current agreement runs to June.

“Naples has conquered me since the very beginning," Mertens told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“I have a fantastic rapport with everyone, from the barman in Posillipo to the waiters in my favourite Pizzeria. There is empathy with these people. I am always Dries, not Mertens when I hang around to enjoy the city.

“I have a contract with an option in favour of the club," he continued.

“I wait and then we'll see. I know there are two paths, one is the farewell. I know that everyone will cry at Mertens' home if I leave. But we need to be practical and realistic. Napoli may no longer need me.

“If I leave, I will be grateful for this opportunity, I will never forget any single moment here."