Marek Hamsik reassures Napoli fans “the best is yet to come,” starting from Lazio and Manchester City.
There have been numerous reports of the Slovak midfielder’s imminent departure from the San Paolo, but he looks set to stay for quite some time.
Marek Hamsik reassures Napoli fans “the best is yet to come,” starting from Lazio and Manchester City.
There have been numerous reports of the Slovak midfielder’s imminent departure from the San Paolo, but he looks set to stay for quite some time.
“It all works well with President Aurelio De Laurentiis and he always moved towards my needs,” Hamsik told La Repubblica.
“It’s true we have a meeting very soon to renew my contract, certainly before Christmas. Why am I staying at Napoli? Because the best is yet to come, I am certain of it. I don’t believe this Napoli’s era is reaching its apex. De Laurentiis is building a club and a squad that gets better every year.
“I also have an excellent rapport with the fans, as I’ve been here for five seasons and now feel a little bit Neapolitan, especially at the dinner table. Naples is my second home, as I’d never been with one club for so many years.”
The Partenopei face two huge tests in quick succession, against Lazio this evening for Serie A and their head-to-head with Manchester City for Champions League qualification.
“It is an important moment in Serie A, but a decisive one for the Champions League. We haven’t played for a while because of the postponed Juventus game and the break for international duty. We’re preparing to be at our best on both fronts.
“Lazio have the best away record in the Division and come to the San Paolo as Serie A leaders. It will be an exciting encounter, as it always is with them. I still remember last year’s 4-3 result.
“It’s also true that Edy Reja knows us perfectly, being our former Coach, but I don’t think it will be a particular advantage for him. All the opponents study the way we play.
“Against Manchester City it will be a challenge the whole city cares about. There are enormous expectations. It’s only normal that it’s the game of the season for our fans and can become that for us players too.
“I put this among the five most prestigious matches in my career, on the same level as those I played in the World Cup.”