Featured Image Credit: TNT Sports
Topics: Rasmus Hojlund, Napoli, Serie A, Sporting CP, Champions League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Rasmus Hojlund, Napoli, Serie A, Sporting CP, Champions League
Rasmus Hojlund made a statement of intent after scoring his first Champions League goal for Napoli – and it speaks volumes about his superb start to life under Antonio Conte.
The Danish forward, who joined Napoli from Manchester United this summer on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy for £38 million if the Italian club qualify for next season's Champions League, is thriving in Italy.
After struggling to find the net at Old Trafford, a revitalised Hojlund marked his Napoli debut with a goal.
He has continued to impress alongside the likes of Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne, and on Wednesday night, the 22-year-old opened the scoring in their Champions League clash against Sporting.
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As seen in the footage below, De Bruyne released Hojlund with a perfectly-timed through ball before the Dane showed great composure to beat Sporting's Rui Silva.
"Sensational. End-to-end from Napoli," said the TNT Sport commentator as Napoli's stadium announcer screamed Hojlund's name. "Manchester City of old to Manchester United of old!"
Moments after finding the back of the net, Hojlund could be seen pointing to the Napoli badge, as well as the Champions League logo – a gesture that has become a big talking point online.
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Of course, Manchester United failed to qualify for the Champions League, or any European competition for that matter, after finishing 15th in the Premier League last season.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte recently opened up on Hojlund's much-talked about move to last season's Serie A champions.
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"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," the Italian 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."
Speaking after completing a move to Napoli, Hojlund said he has "a lot to prove" under Conte. “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."
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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.”