Revealed: Marek Hamsik's special new role with Slovakia at Euro 2024... after the 36-year-old Napoli legend called time on his playing career - and his iconic mohawk

Marek Hamsik is somewhat of a cult hero amongst football fans and many have been left surprised by both his new role and his new look.

The 36-year-old, who hung up his boots last year, is widely considered to be the best Slovakian player in history.

The former midfielder scored 26 goals in 138 appearances for his country, wearing the captain's armband on 63 occasions.

Hamsik spent the majority of his career at Napoli, where netted 121 times in 520 matches and won two Italian Cups.

The Slovak's enormous mohawk garnered almost as much attention as his football during his playing days but he cuts a more low key figure since his retirement.

The mohawk is no more, replaced by a short trim with a fade on the back and sides, and he now serves as his country's 'team manager'.

This does not mean that the 36-year-old is in charge of tactics. Instead he plays a key role behind the scenes.

Hamsik is responsible for looking after the Slovakian players and making sure that everything is organised for them. 

Speaking on Hamsik and his role, Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona said: 'If I had a son, I would want him to be someone like Marek Hamsik, because he is very humble despite his career as a champion.

'He is straightforward, and everyone loves him. I've realised how important he is for Slovakia because I've never heard anyone speak ill of him or say anything negative about him.

'Apart from being a colleague, he's a great friend. Throughout his years at Napoli we built a great relationship in a quiet way. 

'We had a certain chemistry between us and then went our separate ways, but we continued to text each other. When we met again it felt as if no time had passed at all.'