Marek Hamsik can’t wait for Napoli to face Real Madrid in the Champions League and “we can feel Diego Armando Maradona’s presence.”
The last time these two sides met it was during the Maradona era in 1987-88, losing 2-0 at the Bernabeu with a 1-1 draw on home turf.
“You just need to mention Real Madrid to think about their history as one of the world’s most prestigious clubs,” Hamsik told Canale 21.
Marek Hamsik can’t wait for Napoli to face Real Madrid in the Champions League and “we can feel Diego Armando Maradona’s presence.”
The last time these two sides met it was during the Maradona era in 1987-88, losing 2-0 at the Bernabeu with a 1-1 draw on home turf.
“You just need to mention Real Madrid to think about their history as one of the world’s most prestigious clubs,” Hamsik told Canale 21.
“I am happy that we drew them, as these are the games that give you such a strong emotional response. There’s nothing like facing up to the best.
“For the last two years we have been doing well and are just a little step away from doing something truly great.”
The Slovak is a midfielder, but has scored 105 goals for Napoli, closing rapidly on all-time record-holder Maradona.
“Maradona was the number one here, we can still feel his presence and people always talk about him. It is satisfying to have scored so many goals as a midfielder, but to be honest I am more interested in the team results.
“I’ve always said that I am happy here and want to stay as long as possible so I can write a small page of Napoli history. My rapport with the fans is exceptional, they love me so much and I try to make them happy too.”
Hamsik famously struggled to get along with former Napoli Coach Rafa Benitez, but is very fond of current boss Maurizio Sarri.
“Sarri is very pernickety and obsessed with tactics, so he wants everything to be perfect. If you get it wrong, he will tell you off in his own way, which is often quite funny. Everyone loves him.
“My rapport with Benitez was professionally good. His system was different and so was my position, but I am much happier now.
“There’s a good feeling in the locker room and we’re a happy bunch who are always communicating with our Whatsapp group too. Pepe Reina, Omar El Kaddouri and Dries Mertens are really funny, but so are Luigi Sepe and Lorenzo Insigne.
“There’s always music on in the locker room and the main DJs are El Kaddouri or Kalidou Koulibaly.”
Gonzalo Higuain walked away during the summer when Juventus activated his €90m release clause.
“I didn’t know that Higuain was leaving, but I wasn’t all that surprised, because football players come and go. It was his choice and we mustn’t judge him for that. I still have a good rapport with him, but the fans were very upset.”