Napoli Star Marek Hamsik Gains Legendary Status as He Draws Level With Maradona Goal Tally

Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik wrote himself into the club's history books with a goal against Torino on Saturday, as he equalled Diego Maradona's record tally

Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik wrote himself into the club's history books with a goal against Torino on Saturday, as he equalled Diego Maradona's record tally for the Partenopei.

The Slovakian, who has been at the club since 2007, notched his 115th goal for the club in all competitions to draw level with the Argentine legend in what is a special achievement.

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Hamsik's strike into the top corner was all the more special as it also set the team on their way to returning to the top of Serie A, where they are locked in a battle for the title with Inter and Juventus.

Maradona's record has stood since 1991, which is when he stopped playing for the club after beginning a 15-month ban for testing positive for cocaine - he left Naples in disgrace in 1992 to join Sevilla.

115 - Marek Hamsik has now equalled Diego Armando Maradona, the best goalscorer in Napoli history: 115 goals apiece in all competitions. Icon. #TorinoNapoli pic.twitter.com/9gibblDMgq

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) December 16, 2017

In his seven years at the club he won two league titles, one Coppa Italia, one Supercoppa and the UEFA Cup, and while Hamsik's time at Napoli has been less fruitful, he certainly has a similar adoration from the fans for his decade-long service.

Hamsik will be lauded even more if he, as captain, is able to inspire Napoli to the league title this season, which is definitely a possibility given the way they have looked under Maurizio Sarri in the first half of the season.