Slovakia star Marek Hamsik admits he is a fan of Wayne Rooney ahead of the game against England, whilst swearing loyalty to Napoli.
The two nations clash tonight at 20:00 UK time in a game that could see the loser crashing out of the tournament, depending on the result of Wales versus Russia.
“Since I started playing for the national team, I have always tried to put maximum effort in,” Hamsik said, in an interview with the Guardian.
Slovakia star Marek Hamsik admits he is a fan of Wayne Rooney ahead of the game against England, whilst swearing loyalty to Napoli.
The two nations clash tonight at 20:00 UK time in a game that could see the loser crashing out of the tournament, depending on the result of Wales versus Russia.
“Since I started playing for the national team, I have always tried to put maximum effort in,” Hamsik said, in an interview with the Guardian.
“I always did everything for our colours. For me, it is an honour to wear the shirt with a double cross on the chest. Of course I am aware that sometimes my performances were far from ideal.
“However, over the last two or three years, I have had more success with the national team. I think that Slovakia fans are more satisfied with my game now.
Coach Jan Kozak has given Hamsik a greater license to roam since his appointment in 2013, and the effects have been tangibly positive on the Slovak's game.
“I was given freedom and I try to use it as much as possible. Of course, it is a sign of coach Kozak’s belief in my skills. On the other hand, I now have greater responsibility and I have to work really well with all my team-mates.
“Now I can go a little deeper to collect the ball and try to start attacks by finding my team-mates.”
Wayne Rooney used to be England's star in a similar way to Hamsik with Slovakia, though the captain of the Three Lions has recently taken a more modest role.
“I admire Rooney's playing style a lot. He is a world‑class player. The English team is going through a big change in regard to the players. There is a new generation coming through and there is a perfect blend of young and old.
“I am not sure if there is a player with the same characteristics as me. In the past the Press has often compared me to Steven Gerrard but I don’t know if that is true or not.”
As every summer, Hamsik is being linked to a number of clubs in Europe, but he claims he has no intention of leaving Naples.
“I have been playing there for nine years now, so Napoli is like a second home for me. I am happy that I am there and that I have achieved a lot during my spell with them.
“We will see what happens during the summer but at the moment I am set to stay at Napoli. Moves are always talked about through the whole year. I do not have problem with that, but I have a contract with Napoli.”
“The Premier League? I don’t know. A lot of journalists have linked me with English teams many times in the past. The saying goes that there is no smoke without fire but I can say that I have never had a concrete offer from England.”