Marek Hamsik says he wanted to stay at Napoli as long as possible and hopes to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Euro 2020.
The former Napoli midfielder has joined IFK Göteborg. He left the Azzurri in February 2019.
“They have a special place in my heart, I played 11 and a half years there,” Hamsik said in an interview with discovery+ Sweden.
“I did everything to stay as long as I could. I had had some options to leave, but I never thought about leaving and I am happy for this choice and the career I did in Naples.
Marek Hamsik says he wanted to stay at Napoli as long as possible and hopes to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Euro 2020.
The former Napoli midfielder has joined IFK Göteborg. He left the Azzurri in February 2019.
“They have a special place in my heart, I played 11 and a half years there,” Hamsik said in an interview with discovery+ Sweden.
“I did everything to stay as long as I could. I had had some options to leave, but I never thought about leaving and I am happy for this choice and the career I did in Naples.
“I beat Maradona’s record for goals. We were speaking on the telephone sometimes. We swapped shirts too. I have his shirt at home with his signature. It’s fantastic.
“He is one of the biggest players ever. When I was looking at his videos on TV or when I watch videos on Youtube, I think he was fantastic.”
Hamsik will turn 34 in July. Is his agent a concern?
“No, you can look at Ibra for example. It’s something incredible.”
Did he inspire him?
“Of course, I think he is an inspiration not only to Swedish people but also to other players. Playing at this level at 39-years old is something incredible. His body is fantastic.
“He is doing a great season, scored a lot of goals. I hope he can help the Swedish national team. I’d like to see him at Euro 2020.”