Ezequiel Lavezzi: 'Sometimes I think about dropping out of football'

The Argentinean is in a state of rupture with his club, prompting rumours of a return to Serie A with Inter or his former side Napoli.

In an interview with Marca Plus reported today by Italian media, El Pocho confesses to a sense of disillusionment with the sport.

“Sometimes I think of dropping everything, it's a thought that flashes in my mind even today, and not just in the past,” revealed the Albiceleste striker.

“Once out of football, I don't intend to continue within the world of sport. Right now I don't know what I might do.

“Certainly the best thing that ties me to football is the possibility of living well, discovering new cultures, and spending time with my family when it's possible – I enjoy it all the more.

“The worst aspects have to do with what goes on inside, defined by private interests. It's not all what it looks like from outside.”

One of Lavezzi's teammates in the national team is Lionel Messi, but comparisons are not welcome to the PSG player.

“No, I wouldn't like to be like him. It's not an easy life when you're recognised by everyone all the time. I'd rather keep in the shadows.

“When I played with him as a kid, I noticed his potential. I don't see him as the best in the world, rather as one more friend.”

The rumours of an imminent transfer did not keep the former Napoli poacher from discussing his current club.

“I'm here, and I aspire to reaching the highest point for me. The Parisian club has grown in terms of its football and institutional dimensions.

“Now they have an idea of football that is better defined than it was at the beginning, there is a football project. But it's all a matter of time and hard work.

“Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are two teams that are undoubtedly a level above the others.

“I'd bring my friends here from Argentina, and I'd bring to Rosario the local quality of life. Paris, as a city, has very few flaws.

“I'd like to win the Champions League or the next Copa America, and on a more personal level, I'd like to live happily with my family.

“I have more than 20 tattoos – they are family names. Some of them I had done together with my wife.”