Rasmus Hjolund says he has rediscovered the joy of playing football after switching from Manchester United to Napoli, believing the move saved his career and restored his confidence.
Speaking from the Denmark national team camp ahead of the World Cup play-off against Macedonia, the striker admitted he felt he had been snubbed before re-emerging in Serie A.
A new beginning in Naples
Rasmus Höglund has been one of Napoli’s standout performers this season, scoring 14 goals and adding four assists in all competitions.
After some poor performances at Old Trafford he joined Manchester United on loan in the summer. He moved there in August 2023 but failed to settle in and struggled for consistency despite glimpses of potential.
His record at Manchester United was only 26 goals in 95 games, but it also included records such as being the youngest player to score in six consecutive Premier League games. He was also the first United player to score 10 European goals before the age of 22.
However, Hjolund admits that he has lost his love for the game. This is something he has rediscovered in Naples under Antonio Conte.
“In Naples, I found the joy of playing football again. It seemed like everything was over, they said that in Denmark too, but I never gave up and always believed in it.”” Sport Mediaset reports him as saying.
“I know I still have a lot of work to do and improve. I am very self-critical about this. Now in Denmark they say I am back in the center of the project because I am working and scoring very high.”
honest manchester united reflection
The 23-year-old is more than aware that his time at Manchester United was not a success. And he is ready to accept it. But he also believes critics need to look at more than his goal returns.
“If you look at my last spell in Manchester, I didn’t perform well, I’m aware of that, but a lot has changed now,” He added.
“I’ve grown more. I’ve always worked hard, and you can’t judge a striker just based on whether he’s in the final third and manages to score or not.
“There are ups and downs in football; it’s part of the journey. The important thing is to always stay on top of things without being influenced by media opinion, as I have done.”
a permanent summer exit
With a marked improvement in his form in Italy, a permanent transfer from Manchester United to Naples now seems inevitable.
Napoli have a clause to make his loan permanent and, Hjolund has supported the idea in recent months. Maybe that’s why he is in a mood for contemplation now.
His struggles at Old Trafford and revival in Naples, as well as these comments, certainly create a feeling that everyone is ready to move on.
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