Dries Mertens, a beloved icon of Napoli, has officially announced his retirement from professional football. The news was shared via a heartfelt video posted by former teammate Marek Hamsik, who will also be honoured in a farewell match. “I can’t wait to play one last match with you,” Mertens says in the clip. “I’ve retired from football, but I’ll lace up my boots one final time for you. You’ll always be my captain and the strongest teammate I ever had.” The message speaks to the deep bond between two of Napoli’s most iconic figures, who together won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana during their time at the club from 2013 to 2019.
Mertens last appeared professionally for Galatasaray on May 30, but his official goodbye will take place on July 5 in Bratislava, where Hamsik’s testimonial match will celebrate his own retirement. It will mark the end of a brilliant career for the Belgian forward: 397 appearances and 148 goals with Napoli — making him the club’s all-time top scorer — along with three trophies in Italy and further silverware in Turkey with Galatasaray.
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