Rasmus Højlund has revealed one of the main reasons he decided to join Napoli on loan in the summer after Manchester United encouraged him to leave.
Manchester United were prepared to allow Rasmus Højlund to leave the club this summer following the arrival of Benjamin Šeško.
The Danish forward, who joined Old Trafford for a significant fee two years ago, endured a challenging 2024/25 season and ended the campaign short on confidence.
Napoli subsequently moved to sign Højlund on an initial loan deal, which includes an obligation to make the move permanent next summer should certain conditions be met.
The 21-year-old has made a promising start in Italy, registering seven goals across all competitions from 19 appearances so far this season, with his performances largely viewed as encouraging.
Højlund breaks silence on main reason he wanted Napoli after United exit
When it was made clear to Højlund that he had no future at Old Trafford, there were several clubs interested in signing him.
RB Leizpig were big fans and had a space for him after United signed Šeško but he wanted to move to Napoli and the move eventually happened.
Højlund has explained that working with Antonio Conte was one of the main reasons he wanted to make the move, describing the former Chelsea boss as an ‘incredible coach’.
“I’m really happy so far and I’m enjoying everything,” Hojlund told Sports Illustrated, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.
“Obviously, I want to play, but I also want to learn from him. Conte? He’s an incredible coach. When he calls you, you just have to say yes.”
Højlund comments on Lukaku
For Højlund, it has been a successful loan spell so far but he will be tested more heading into the second half of the season now that Romelu Lukaku is back from injury.
The Belgian international was the star striker for Conte’s side when they won the Serie A last term and he has recently returned to the squad.
Højlund will have to work hard to keep his spot in the side but when asked about Lukaku, the 22-year-old was only full of praise and admiration.
“Romelu is a fantastic person. I didn’t know him well before. I spoke to him on the pitch and I even have one of his shirts at home. He’s an idol for me,” the United loanee added.
Lukaku also had his own mixed spell at Old Trafford, playing for the club for two years and scoring 42 goals in that time.
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