Former Belgium international, Dries Mertens, has officially called time on his illustrious football career.
The 38-year-old shared the news via a heartfelt video posted on social media, announcing his decision to step away from the professional scene.
Still, fans will have one last chance to see him in action. Mertens revealed he will lace up his boots for a final appearance in a testimonial match organised this July by his former Napoli teammate Marek Hamsik.
“I’ll retire from football but I’ll wear my boots one last time for you,” Mertens said in the emotional video.
The Belgian forward began his rise in the professional ranks with FC Utrecht in 2009, before making a name for himself at PSV Eindhoven between 2011 and 2013.
His true legacy, however, was forged in Naples, where he became Napoli’s all-time leading scorer with 148 goals in 397 matches during a remarkable nine-year spell from 2013 to 2022.
Mertens wrapped up his club career with a successful two-year stint at Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, contributing significantly both in the domestic league and on the European stage.
On the international front, he was a key figure in Belgium’s renowned golden generation, earning 109 caps and netting 21 goals for the Red Devils.