Marek Hamšík turned down Milan and Juventus | OneFootball

Marek Hamšík recently broke Diego Maradona’s record to become Napoli’s all-time top goalscorer but it all could have been so different.

The Slovakian revealed in an interview with Corriere dello Sport that he turned down the opportunity to join both AC Milan and Juventus as a youngster.

He has become the captain at Napoli and etched his name into club folklore and Hamšík explained that he plans to stay in Naples for the rest of his career.

When asked why, the 30-year-old responded: “Why Napoli? Because they signed me when I was still a kid.

“I was only 20, but I’ve never regretted it, not even when a group of fans went against the club upon my arrival.

“I’m happy in Naples, as are my family members. Here, I’ve been made to feel at home.

“The city is beautiful and people are warm.”

He admitted that Italy’s two most storied clubs were keen to sign him but said that he was not willing to make a move.

“When Juventus and Milan were both interested in me, I wasn’t convinced,” Hamšík explained. “It was a bit of not feeling ready and not wanting to leave.”

“It’s hard to make predictions in football but I think my career will end here in Naples.”

In the more immediate term, the midfielder believes his side have what it takes to win the title this year.

With 20 games played, Napoli are currently a point above Juventus and Hamšík thinks the neutrals should be cheering for Napoli in the race.

“I think it is the wish of those who love football [for Napoli to win the Scudetto], because we play wonderfully and I think we deserve to win it,” he said.