Antonio Conte has been speaking about Rasmus Højlund’s decision to join Napoli on loan from Manchester United ahead of their Champions League opener.
After a difficult campaign, many expected Rasmus Højlund to remain at Manchester United as a backup option behind a new striker. Ruben Amorim, however, appeared to see Joshua Zirkzee as better suited for that role.
With Benjamin Šeško’s arrival on the verge of completion and Matheus Cunha cementing himself as the first-choice centre forward, Højlund gradually slipped out of the starting XI. In United’s final pre-season clash with Fiorentina, he was named among the substitutes but failed to make it onto the pitch.
He stayed at Old Trafford a little longer, but on Deadline Day completed a loan move to Napoli. The deal includes an option to buy, which could see the transfer become permanent if certain conditions are met.
Although many, inside and outside the club, felt he was dealt with rather harshly, the ex-Atalanta striker now has the opportunity to relaunch his career back in Serie A.
Conte reveals Højlund’s 12-word message after he joined Napoli
Højlund’s life at Napoli started extremely well, with the striker scoring less than 15 minutes into his debut against Fiorentina last weekend.
The Dane’s second game for the Italian side comes against Manchester City in the Champions League and he is expected to start the clash.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has been discussing Højlund ahead of the game and revealed the message he received from the loanee after his United exit.
“Rasmus, I knew him because he played with Atalanta then came to Manchester United. We are talking about a player with great potential. He is only 22 years old. He has a whole career ahead of him,” Conte said.
“When we spoke with him, I felt he was really happy to get this new experience. He said ‘OK I am ready, I want to play for you and Napoli’. Now it is upon me to improve him and to grow him to become a really top striker.”
Napoli is the right move for Højlund
Højlund couldn’t have asked for a much better move to reignite his career after some difficult years at Old Trafford.
Moving back to the Serie A made sense for the 22-year-old as he excelled in that league beforehand. A slower pace will be significant for him after struggling to match the quickness of the Premier League.
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But Napoli also have some top players. Højlund already knows. Scott McTominay and will relish playing with Kevin De Bruyne.
The United loanee will be hoping that he can continue his solid start to life at the Italian club with a goal against City.
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