Rasmus Hojlund uses first words as a Napoli player to explain how Man Utd changed him

Rasmus Hojlund has claimed that he arrives at Napoli as "a better football player" following his two years at Manchester United - where he largely underwhelmed before securing his loan switch.

The Dane moved to Old Trafford two years ago in a deal worth £72million, but struggled for much of his time in the Premier League, which prompted the Red Devils to go back into the market this summer to address their goalscoring issues.

Benjamin Sesko came in and relegated Hojlund to a squad role with the ex-Atalanta man failing to appear in the early games of the season, making his exit almost inevitable. It was in Italy that he first made his name and now he'll hope to aid Napoli's ambitions.

He joins the Serie A champions, who have also added Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City, and is relishing the chance to play in a successful team having been at United during a difficult period. Despite his struggles, which saw him score just for league goals last term, Hojlund is confident he heads to Naples as an improved player.

The 22-year-old told Napoli's club media: “I was very excited, because it’s a team that just won the league. I also know how great the fans are, the city, and I’m very happy for this opportunity. It’s different now, obviously, as I come with more experience and I’m a better football player. I come with a lot of international experience.

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“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's deadline day move to Napoli will see the Manchester outfit will receive a £5.2m loan fee and £38m next summer with the Italians having an obligation to buy, provided that Antonio Conte's side qualify for the Champions League, which they are expected to do.

Hojlund has gone straight into Napoli's Champions League squad with Romelu Lukaku left out. The Belgian is current injured and not expected back until the end of the 2025 - leading Conte to avoid taking risks over his fitness. The Italians will take on Manchester City and Chelsea during their European campaign.

Their new signing has already pledged to go above and beyond to prove himself as he said: “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.”

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