Napoli posted an emotional video remembering some of Dries Mertens’ best moments for the club after his departure was confirmed yesterday.
The Belgian forward spent nine years with the Partenopei after arriving in 2013 from PSV, and he went on to become one of the most important players at the club, overtaking Diego Maradona and Marek Hamsik to become Napoli’s all-time top scorer.
Mertens’ love of Napoli wasn’t limited to the pitch and he happily immersed himself in the city’s famous culture, being affectionately nicknamed ‘Ciro’ in response.
The 35-year-old’s contract expired earlier this month and despite his desire to remain, Napoli failed to agree a new deal with him.