He leaves as the club’s top goalscorer
Marek Hamsik has agreed a deal to leave Napoli and join Chinese Super League club Dilian Yifang after 12 years at the Serie A club.
Having joined in 2007, Hamsik surpassed both Edinson Cavani and Diego Maradona in the club’s record books, both in appearances and goals scored, with 121 goals and 111 assists in 520 games. He also lifted the Coppa Italia twice with Napoli, though he never won the league despite pushing Juventus very close last season.
He leaves the club on good terms, with Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis wishing him good luck in China.
“I wish Marek Hamsik happiness in China,” said Aurelio De Laurentiis. “The door will always be open for him here.”
Hamsik posted a heartfelt farewell to Napoli supporters on his Instagram page, saying: “First I have to apologise with you blue fans: I wanted, I hoped, I dreamed of saying goodbye embraced by your applause. You have always supported and loved me unconditionally in beautiful or difficult moments: I will always be grateful for this.
“Napoli – I got it tattooed on my skin, just like the first victory in the Italian Cup after 25 years. It’s impossible to forget that party. It’s impossible to forget the moment when I broke Bruscolotti’s record or when I beat Maradona’s goal record.
“This makes me extremely proud. Here in Naples were born my three children, Neapolitans in all respects. I love you and I will love this city forever.”
At his new club in China, Hamsik will link up with Belgium winger Yannick Fereira Carrasco and Nicolas Gaitain, formerly of Benfica.
