Featured Image Credit: Stan Sport Football/Getty Images
Topics: Rasmus Hojlund, Napoli, Man Utd, Champions League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Rasmus Hojlund, Napoli, Man Utd, Champions League
A rejuvenated Rasmus Hojlund delivered a telling post-match interview after he scored a brace for Napoli in their Champions League league phase clash against Sporting Lisbon.
The 22-year-old forward, who joined Napoli from Manchester United this summer on a season-long loan deal, looks like a completely different animal under Antonio Conte following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.
He marked his Napoli debut with a well-taken goal and, after leading the line ever since, Hojlund repaid Conte's faith by scoring twice in their 2-1 victory over Sporting on Wednesday night.
As seen in the footage below, fellow summer signing Kevin De Bruyne released Hojlund with a perfectly-placed through ball before the Dane showed great composure to beat goalkeeper Rui Silva.
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Colombian forward Luis Suarez equalised from the penalty spot for Sporting, but De Bruyne once again provided for Hojlund, who headed home to restore Napoli's lead.
Speaking in his interview after the full-time whistle, Hojlund was full of praise for De Bruyne. "Kevin is a legend of the sport," he said. "For me, it's just every time he has the ball, go find some space. I'm so grateful to play with a player like this."
Moments after opening the scoring, the striker could be seen pointing to the Napoli badge, as well as the Champions League logo.
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Asked to explain the celebrations in his post-match chat with Stan Sport Football, he replied: "The badges was, of course, because I'm happy to play for Napoli and the Champions League. I love to score in Europe."
The smile on Hojlund's face throughout the interview speaks volumes.
After scoring just 11 goals in all competitions for Ruben Amorim's side last season, Hojlund needed to play in a system that suited his style of play; something Conte has delivered to him on a plate in Naples.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to his post-match media duties.
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One said: "It’s nice to see Rasmus Højlund this confident again," while another commented: "Looks like a man with a weight lifted off his shoulders."
A third wrote: "That's what happens when people leave United. Sad but true. United has become toxic," and a fourth added: "He’s smiling again. This is what happens when players are in a good environment. Enjoy Rasmus."
Speaking after completing a move to Napoli, Hojlund said he has "a lot to prove" under Conte.
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“It’s different now, obviously, as I come with more experience and I’m a better football player," he said.
"I come with a lot of international experience, I played in the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, and in multiple countries. 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."
Hojlund added: "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.”