Naples, Hojlund’s words
Rasmus, thank you very much for your time here in Naples. It’s truly a pleasure to talk to you. I know it’s been a pretty crazy few months. First of all, how are you? How’s life in general?
Yes, that’s fine. There are a lot of games, so a lot of recovery and a lot of concentration on the matches obviously, but yes, I’m enjoying it so far.
I wanted to go back for a moment, looking at the last three years: from Atalanta to Manchester United up to arriving here. Do you get the feeling that sometimes people forget that Rasmus is only 22? Do you feel like an “expert” 22-year-old?
Yes, I think I already said that. I played many professional matches. I have played important tournaments, Champions League, Europa League, different championships, Italy… I have already played in many clubs. So yeah, sometimes I feel like I’m… I don’t want to say an expert player, because I’m not, but I already have some experience. And it’s a question of giving the best of what I have and at the same time continuing to learn, because I still have so much to learn. Obviously I’m 22 years old: if you compare me with someone much younger maybe they seem like a lot [risate]but in general I’m not old. I still have a lot of room for growth.
I wanted to ask you about the move to Napoli, because from the outside, especially from England, it seemed to happen very quickly. Can you explain how this operation was born?
Yes. United were quite clear with me: I was not part of the plans for this season. Without European competition, I think Napoli saw an opportunity. As soon as I sensed their interest, I immediately made it clear to my entourage that I only wanted to go there. I had good conversations with the coach, with the sporting director and obviously also with the team.
Do you remember the first conversation with Antonio about the transfer?
Yes, it was quite short. We were both very clear that this was a good step for me. We got on well straight away. It was a short conversation, but very positive.
Did the fact that he is so good at developing attackers especially influence your decision?
Yes, certainly. He is an incredible coach. I’ve seen positive things done everywhere I’ve been. When he calls you, you just have to say yes.
Many have linked your arrival to Scott’s performance last season, given that you know him well. Have you talked about it?
Yes, but we are at different stages in our careers. I still have a lot to learn. He is older, with more responsibility behind him. I also want to prove something, obviously, but I’m young and I have to play. So this was a good opportunity.
When you talk about demonstrating, is it internal or towards others?
A bit of both. Proving it to yourself is the most important thing: if you do it, then you also prove it to the world. I have very high expectations of myself.
You’ve been here for three months. What does “success” mean to Rasmus Højlund this season?
Personal growth. Be the best version of myself. Improve every day, listen to the coach, learn from your teammates. Romelu will be back soon: I want to learn from him too. He has a lot of experience with this coach. Absorb everything, stay in shape, perform on the pitch.
What did Romelu tell you about working with Conte and his development here?
Rom is a fantastic person. I didn’t know him well before. We talked a bit on the pitch and I even have one of his shirts at home. He is an idol for me, I have always admired him. Obviously I want to play too [risate]but there is competition and rightly so. I want to learn from him: he always scores, he knows how to link the game, he can give me a lot.
