Marek Hamsik scored his first goal in Sweden yesterday – and it was some strike.
The former Napoli midfielder signed for Allsvenskan side IFK Goteborg in March on a deal that lasts until August, having left Dalian Professional in China.
And in his sixth appearance, he produced a magical moment.
With Goteborg drawing 1-1 at home to IK Sirius, the hosts won a corner on 51 minutes.
It was headed clear by the defence, but only as far as Hamsik, who was positioned just outside the area.
The Slovakian international hit a peach of a strike on the half volley which whistled into the back of the net and left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Check it out below:
Unfortunately for Hamsik and Goteborg, they could not hold on for victory, with Sirius making it 2-2 on 65 minutes.
For the spectators in the ground, though, it was another reminder of Hamsik’s goalscoring abilities.
He scored exactly 100 Serie A goals during his nearly 12-year spell with Napoli, becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer in the process (he has since been overtaken by Dries Mertens).
Hamsik’s Swedish ambitions
The 33-year-old hadn’t featured in the Chinese Super League since September, but did play for the Slovakia national team in their successful Euro 2020 play-off against Northern Ireland.
The move to Goteborg will therefore allow Hamsik to build up his match fitness ahead of the tournament.
Upon signing, he said: “I am very happy to be here and am positively surprised by the great training opportunties that exist here.
“As everyone knows, I am here on a short-term contract but I will do my utmost to help the team achieve success. Now I put my whole body and soul into this club.”
Featured Image Credit: discovery+ / Getty