Marek Hamsik has written an open letter to Napoli fans after joining Dalian Yifang. “I’ll love this city forever.”
Napoli confirmed on Thursday that Hamsik was on his way to Dalian Yifang, and the midfielder did not hold his emotions back in a long Instagram post.
“I have to apologise to all you Azzurri fans,” began the departing Partenopei captain.
Marek Hamsik has written an open letter to Napoli fans after joining Dalian Yifang. “I’ll love this city forever.”
Napoli confirmed on Thursday that Hamsik was on his way to Dalian Yifang, and the midfielder did not hold his emotions back in a long Instagram post.
“I have to apologise to all you Azzurri fans,” began the departing Partenopei captain.
“I wanted, hoped and dreamed of saying goodbye to you. A big lap around the field, embraced by your applause.
“You’ve always supported and loved me unconditionally, in both beautiful and difficult moments: for this I’ll always be grateful.
“I’ve tattooed Napoli on my skin, as well as our first victory in the Coppa Italia after 25 years. It’s impossible to forget that game.
“It’s impossible to forget that moment when I beat Bruscolotti’s record or when I broke the Azzurri’s goal record, set by the god of football himself, Diego Armando Maradona.
“That makes me extremely proud. Here in Naples, my three children were born, Neapolitans in every way.
“I’d like to thank everyone: the President who gave me the possibility of staying here for 12 years and accepting my willingness to try a new experience; all the Coaches who trained me, to whom I owe my growth as a player and as a man; all the medical and technical staff and everyone else at SSC Napoli; my friends who I’ll miss, but I know they’ll never leave me because they’re part of my family.
“As soon as it’s possible, I hope you’ll grant me one last lap around the field at the San Paolo, to dedicate to you the send-off you deserve.
“I love you all and I’ll love this city forever. THANK YOU FROM MY HEART to everyone and all the best to my teammates for the rest of the season: I hope you can win the Europa League!”
The 31-year-old joined Napoli in the summer of 2007 from Brescia and made 520 official appearances for the southerners, scoring 121 goals and providing 111 assists.
He leaves with two Coppa Italia under his belt and as both their record appearance holder and all-time top goalscorer.