The Slovakian midfielder is leaving the Serie A outfit after close to 12 years of loyal service to take on a new challenge with Dalian Yifang
Marek Hamsik has brought a record-breaking spell at Napoli to a close after completing a switch to Chinese side Dalian Yifang.
Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed the attacking midfielder’s move on his official Twitter account.
He said: “The deal with Dalian has been reached. I wish Marek to be happy in China.
“Napoli’s doors will always been open for him.”
Lawyers of the Serie A side had revealed on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached to take Hamsik to China.
Mattia Grassani told Radio Kiss Kiss: “Hamsik is a Dalian player from this evening.”
With a deal now done, the Slovakia international is expected in China on Friday to push through the formalities of signing a contract and joining his new team-mates.
It had appeared at one stage as though the 31-year-old may see a move blocked.
Differences over the fee to be paid for his services led to talks breaking down.
The Italian club went as far as releasing a statement saying: “Napoli has decided to suspend the sale of Marek Hamsik to the Chinese [club Dalian Yifang] because the methods of payment of the amount agreed do not coincide with the agreements previously reached.”
Negotiations were then revived for a player who has long been linked with a move to Asia.
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A compromise has been reached, with it suggested that Dalian will be paying €20 million (£18m/$23m) across two instalments.
An initial payment of €5m will be made immediately, with a further €15m to follow within the next 12 months.
Hamsik will depart Napoli have made a lasting impression on the Serie A side.
He took in 520 appearances for the club, with his haul of 121 goals – including a century of efforts in the Italian top-flight – seeing him pass the legendary Diego Maradona as the club’s all-time leading marksman.