Napoli legend Hamsik reveals: ‘I was very close to joining Milan in 2011 – Allegri also wanted me at Juventus’

Marek Hamsik has revealed he came close to joining Milan in the summer of 2011, confirming long-standing rumours that coach Massimiliano Allegri wanted him both at San Siro and later at Juventus.

Speaking to MilanNews.it in an interview conducted by Alessandro Schiavone, the Slovak midfielder reflected on one of the major transfer stories of that era.

“I was very close to moving to Milan,” he said. “Mister Allegri wanted me both in the Rossoneri shirt and at Juventus. But in the end, nothing happened.”

Hamsik was heavily linked with a move following a brilliant spell at Napoli, having established himself as one of Serie A’s most complete midfielders.

The potential deal would have seen him join a Milan side stacked with talent, including Ibrahimović, Cassano, Robinho, Gattuso, Nesta, Boateng and Pato, who were defending their Scudetto title at the time.

Despite how close the move came, Hamsik insists he harbours no regrets. “I’m happy it didn’t happen,” he admitted. “I had 12 wonderful years with Napoli. No regrets, even if Milan were really strong in those days.”

The former Partenopei captain went on to become one of Napoli’s greatest icons, making over 500 appearances and scoring 121 goals before moving abroad in 2019.