🎥 Mertens retires, final match alongside Hamsik 😭 | OneFootball

Dries Mertens has decided to retire: the Belgian sprite who made recent history with Napoli has ended his career with his experience at Galatasaray.

The announcement, after a few weeks of reflection, came in a very unique and special way. Mertens, in fact, will play for the last time in Marek Hamsik's farewell match to be held in Bratislava.

“I can't wait to play the last match with you. I have stopped playing football but for the last time, I will put on my shoes just for you. For me, you will always remain my captain and the strongest man I have played with.”

MERTENS' NUMBERS

Dries Mertens had a brilliant football career, distinguishing himself especially with Napoli's jersey. With the Neapolitan club, he became the top scorer in history, scoring 135 goals in 397 appearances across all competitions.

In his career, he surpassed 300 goals between club and national team, also playing for teams like PSV Eindhoven, Galatasaray, and representing Belgium in various international competitions, including the European Championship and World Cup. His versatility, speed, and dribbling skills made him one of the most complete and beloved forwards of his generation.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

📸 Francesco Pecoraro - 2017 Getty Images