Former Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain has claimed that club president Aurelio De Laurentiis largely contributed to his decision to leave the club this summer.

Higuain became the third most expensive player in history by joining Italian champions Juventus in a £75.3m deal earlier this week, prompting angry reactions from many associated with Napoli.

The Argentina international insists that he understands the fans' anger, but revealed that it was his poor relationship with De Laurentiis which forced him to leave.

"It was my decision to leave, but it was [De Laurentiis] who pushed me into making it. I'd like to thank the fans and my teammates, but not De Laurentiis. I no longer had a relationship with him; I couldn't stand another minute with him," he told reporters.

"I've remained silent in recent days, but these have been three amazing years and I can only say thanks for all the love I was given, but this was a decision I took for my own reasons.

"I can understand that they are angry with me and I've seen the insults, but it is something I had to do and I'm happy about it."

Higuain scored 36 league goals for Napoli last season, equalling the all-time Serie A record.