Højlund Eyes Redemption: “I Want to Die on the Pitch” for Napoli After Man Utd Stint

Danish forward Rasmus Højlund has made a passionate declaration of intent in his first interview with new club Napoli, vowing to “die on the pitch” as he seeks to revive his career following a challenging spell at Manchester United. The 22-year-old completed a deadline day loan move to the reigning Serie A champions, hoping to emulate the success of former teammate Scott McTominay under manager Antonio Conte.

A Fresh Start in Naples

Højlund’s arrival at Napoli marks a significant turning point for the young striker. After joining Manchester United in 2023 from Atalanta, he initially showed promise, netting 10 goals in his debut Premier League campaign. However, his second season saw a sharp decline in form, with only four league goals as the Red Devils finished a disappointing 15th. While he did add six goals in the Europa League en route to a runners-up finish, the overall perception of his time at Old Trafford was one of unfulfilled potential.

Under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, Manchester United underwent a significant squad overhaul, bringing in new attacking talents like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško. This influx, coupled with the departure of players like Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford, prompted Højlund to seek a new challenge.

Højlund’s Fiery Commitment

Speaking to Napoli’s official media, Højlund expressed his eagerness to prove his worth in Italy. “I come with a lot to prove, I want to show myself in the best team in Italy, and Napoli is going to be very, very good,” he stated. His commitment to the cause was palpable: “I always work hard, I like to say I want to die on the pitch, to give everything for the team, to score goals, create, and fight for everything.”

“I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity, I’m very, very grateful and I’m going to do my best to make us win something this year again, and to do the fans and club proud,” he added, clearly motivated by the prospect of contributing to Napoli’s continued success.

Following in McTominay’s Footsteps

Højlund will be joining a formidable Napoli squad that includes established stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay. Interestingly, he hopes to replicate the career resurgence experienced by McTominay under Antonio Conte. The Scottish midfielder enjoyed a stellar season, winning the Serie A Most Valuable Player award and earning a nomination for the prestigious Ballon d’Or – a first for a Scottish player since Ally McCoist in 1987.

While Romelu Lukaku recovers from injury, Højlund is expected to play a significant role for Napoli. His loan move includes a Champions League qualification clause that could make it permanent, highlighting the club’s long-term vision for the young Dane. Despite his recent struggles, it’s easy to forget that Højlund is still just 22 years old, with ample time to develop and fulfill his immense potential.

A Promising Future

The move to Napoli offers Højlund a fresh start in a league where he previously thrived with Atalanta. Under the guidance of Antonio Conte, known for his ability to maximize player performance, and alongside a talented squad, Højlund has a prime opportunity to rediscover his scoring touch and prove his critics wrong. His passionate declaration suggests a player hungry for success, and Napoli fans will undoubtedly be eager to see him deliver on his promise to “die on the pitch.”

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