Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly has revealed that former Parma and Juventus defender Lilian Thuram inspires him both on and off the field.
The €6.5 million summer signing from Racing Genk hopes to emulate Thuram, who spent 10 seasons in Serie A between 1996 and 2006, as well as winning 142 caps for the French national team.
“He is the player who inspired me,” the 23-year-old told the October edition of E Azzurro magazine.
“He gave me a lot of joy, along with the other players who won the World Cup in 1998.
“I remember what he won and how he played.
“I hope to develop here at Napoli and reach the levels he did.
“Thuram is an example on and off the field.
“He fought against racism, like Malcom X and Nelson Mandela who are two symbols of freedom.”
Koulibaly has played every minute of the Partenopei’s opening 10 matches in all competitions this season and has one goal and an assist.
