BRATISLAVA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Marek Hamsik, who currently plays for Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang Club, was the winner of the Slovak Footballer of the Year Award, the country's football association announced on Tuesday.

Hamsik, winning 350 points in the voting, beat Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar by 36 points to claim the award.

Hamsik has been named Slovak footballer of the year in 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

"It is always difficult to defend the victory. I'm glad to make it again. But the younger players are pushing me and the future belongs to them," Hamsik said.

Slovakia will play Hungary on March 21 and Wales on March 24 in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.