Hamsik receives the Artis Suavitas Award: "Naples is my second home."

Marek Hamsik and Naples, a bond that time has not erased. The former Italian captain received the Artis Suavitas Award, presented by Antonio Larizza, founder of the initiative. This recognition is the second of the seventh edition of the award, following the one given to philosopher Umberto Galimberti.

"Naples is my second home. Every time I return, I feel the love of the city, wherever I go. There's a special bond between me and Naples," Hamsik said during the awards ceremony.

The former Slovakian midfielder was awarded "The Tree of Culture," a bronze work by master Domenico Sepe that evokes the relationship between roots and the future, memory and prophecy.

Having joined the Azzurri in 2007, Hamsik played for Napoli until 2019, making 520 appearances and scoring 121 goals in all competitions. As captain, he became one of the team's icons, winning two Coppa Italia trophies and one Italian Super Cup.

During the event, he also recounted his decision to stay in Naples despite the offers he received from other clubs. "After four or five years, I felt like I was wearing that shirt and I didn't need anything else. In Naples, I found everything, above all, passion. Every time we took to the field, at the Maradona Stadium or even away, it felt like we were always playing at home."

And again: "Napoli is love for the club, the shirt, and those colors. I've always felt like I had everything I needed and didn't feel the need to change." Among the most precious memories of his time in Naples is also the one linked to Diego Armando Maradona. When Hamsik surpassed the Argentine champion's goal record while wearing the blue shirt, he received a message from Maradona himself.

"He congratulated me. Receiving them from the absolute number one was a huge pleasure. I still have his signed shirt, with a dedication, in the room where I keep the trophies and mementos. It will always be there," he said.

The Artis Suavitas Award was given to Hamsik "for having transformed his sporting talent into an example of loyalty, belonging, and authentic love for a land that welcomed him and that he chose to carry in his heart."

"It's an honor for us to recognize Marek Hamsik. He's an important figure for the principles he represents," said Antonio Larizza, emphasizing the former captain's role model for the younger generations.

The seventh edition of the Artis Suavitas Award will kick off on Saturday, September 26th at the Maschio Angioino in Naples. Among the announced winners are Bianca Balti, Fabio Capello, Fabio Caressa, Francesco Di Leva, Anna Safroncik, and Lina Sastri.