Galatasaray striker Dries Mertens admits it was difficult to leave Napoli.

The veteran ended a nine-year stay in Naples to move to Turkey this summer.

He told DAZN, “It's been a wonderful nine years. Of course, it could've ended differently, I think the club could've talked about it earlier, I hope I can learn from this experience to become even greater.

“Today I'm very happy because my family and I have embarked on a new adventure, I'm in a great city and a great club.

“Of course, leaving Napoli was hard. My wife cried at the thought of leaving home, so we decided to keep it and try to spend as much time there as possible.

“I saw the game this weekend, I must say that the level of the players is very high. I'm happy because they are showing enthusiasm, you can see that they are strong, young players who want to win."