Napoli playmaker Marek Hamsik has revealed why he turned down a ‘huge club’ this winter to stay with Napoli.
The midfielder, rated at £20million, has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. However the player’s agent, Juraj Venglos, claims that the 27-year-old was never likely to leave Napoli.
“There were some huge clubs with an interest in Hamsik, but he chose to stick with Napoli. Marek only wants the Azzurri colours. I don’t know why [Mino] Raiola [football agent] said certain things, I only know that Hamsik is happy and he wants to stay with Napoli.”
Venglos credits Hamsik’s loyalty with his new central role. “Now he is more involved in the middle of the pitch, earlier on he used to play in a different position. The current role better suits his characteristics.”
Robert Middleton: @robmid4