The former Partenopei legend has advised superstar Georgian playmaker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, to stay at the club this summer despite huge interest in his signature from around Europe.

Hamsik, who made 409 Serie A appearances scoring 100 goals in a 12 year career at Napoli and who was adored by the tifosi in Campania, was speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via gianlucadimarzio.com) ahead of Slovakia’s Euro 2024 Round of 16 showdown against England on Sunday.

Now 36, Hamsik is part of his country’s coaching staff under the guidance of Francesco Calzona, who also spent the the final few months of last season, in the hot-seat at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

When asked if he thought the 23-year-old should remain at his current employer, he replied;

“Of course. Napoli needs champions like him who warm up the fans and win games with a play. And now there’s Conte on the bench: I’m very curious and optimistic.”

Kvaratskhelia has yet to sign a new deal at Napoli, with reports suggesting that his new wage demands are too expensive for patron Aurelio De Laurentiis, who has flown out to Germany with new Sporting Director Giovanni Manna, to try to reach an alternative agreement.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain are known admirers and recent reports claim that they are willing to meet the players personal terms.

Steve Mitchell | GIFN