“Crazy about the city” – Father says player enjoying time away from Manchester United

Since leaving Manchester United for Napoli, Rasmus Højlund has scored four goals in all competitions.

He’s become a key player for Antonio Conte’s side. In the absence of Romelu Lukaku, the Dane is one of theiur most obvious sources of goals.

His father – Anders, has now spoken to Il Mattino and shed light on the striker’s life away from Manchester United.

Anders said, relayed by Gonfia La Rete: “Rasmus and Naples? My son is crazy about the city, the team, and the fans.”

He also spoke about how the striker first decided to become a footballer.

“Rasmus was interested in football almost from the moment he was very young. In general, he was always very drawn to the sport, thanks in part to me and his mother. He was already a huge sports fan in kindergarten, and at the age of 4, he started playing for his first club.”

He made it clear that the 22-year-old has always been taught to work hard.

“Work? It’s true, I was a footballer, but first and foremost I tried to convey to Rasmus the importance of hard work. I always told him that working hard is essential to achieving his dream.”

Champions League key for Manchester United

Anders also said his son drew inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I remember perfectly the first time he told me about his desire to become a footballer. Remember it as if it happened yesterday. I was sitting with him, talking about football in his room 3, and I was looking at a poster of Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Then he turned to me and said, “I want to be as good as Cristiano!” All I could do was tell him how hard he needed to start training, and we needed to start training with him.”

Højlund’s hardwork is clearly paying off. Despite struggles at Manchester United, he is making a mark at Napoli.

There is still a long way to go in the season though. Napoli will look to win the Serie A and are battling with AC Milan and Roma for it.

For Manchester United though, it is their Champions League qualification which matters. This will trigger Napoli’s conditional obligation to sign the striker permanently.