Manchester United decided to cut Rasmus Hojlund loose this summer, following the Dane’s dismal 2024/25 campaign in which he managed a meagre four Premier League goals.
The 22-year-old was desperate to stay at Old Trafford, and believed he was better than new arrival Benjamin Sesko, but was not given the chance to stake his claim.
That left him heartbroken, as he eventually opted to join Napoli on an initial loan with the Serie A champions obligated to sign him if certain conditions are met by the end of the season.
The ex-Atalanta ace has one goal in three games, and in an interview with La Repubblica, he explained why he chose to come to Naples from Manchester.
Why Napoli & Serie A
“There’s a special football culture here, I felt it right away when I came to Naples for the first time as an opponent, with Atalanta. The fans were crazy and very passionate, which makes them different from the others.
“The city is truly beautiful, as is the climate. But above all, I found a family atmosphere, which is what I needed now in my career. My plan is to settle in and be accepted.”
The Napoli No.19 also explained the major differences between playing in the English top-flight and Serie A.
“It’s still the same as I remembered it from my season with Atalanta. The football here is very tactical, with lots of man-on-man duels.
On CR7 & Mctominay
“In the Premier League, however, the pace is a bit higher: everyone is fast, strong, and physically explosive. If I had to point out one difference between the two leagues, it’s precisely that.”
The Danish striker also revealed his love for United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, and why the love affair started. He explained that like the Portuguese, he also strives to improve all the time.
“It’s not out of presumption. In my career, I’ve never felt like the most talented player in the group, even though you have to be a top-notch striker to play for United or Napoli.
“But I’ve always had to work harder than others, and I’m aware of that. That’s why Cristiano is my idol: he always wants to improve and works hard to become better.”
On his future
On how it felt to reconnect on the pitch with former Carrington graduate Scott McTominay. Rasmus Hojlund also revealed how much the Scotsman has improved since his move to Italy.
“In real life, he’s still the same Scott: a great guy, a nice guy. But on the pitch, he’s grown a lot, playing in Italy. My goal is to follow his path.”
And on his future, the United loanee revealed that he hopes to stay at Napoli for the foreseeable future, and has no plans of returning to Old Trafford.
“I also played in Austria before, after leaving Denmark as a child. At 22, I already have a lot of experience under my belt. But now I’m in Naples and I plan to stay.”
Feature image Gabriele Maltinti via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
