Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay has opened up about his £25.7 million move from Manchester United to Napoli, expressing contentment with his decision and his new life in Italy. The 27-year-old, who spent 22 years at United, has made an immediate impact in Serie A, scoring three goals in his first ten appearances and helping Napoli to the top of the table.
“Obviously it’s a big decision, there’s no denying that,” McTominay said of his departure from Old Trafford when speaking to The Times. “It was a huge decision for me and my family and my friends. At times like that in your life you just have to say, ‘Do I want to do it? Absolutely,’ and go for it. There’s no looking back.”
Despite some Manchester United fans lamenting his sale, McTominay remains focused on his new challenge. “I don’t read the newspapers or social media,” he stated. “That’s something I stay well away from. There’s no reason for me to pay attention to that. The past is the past. I’m enjoying my football and just want to do everything in my powers to push my team higher up the table and do my best for my manager in Italy as well.”
The Scotland international has been warmly embraced by Napoli’s passionate fanbase, with his name chanted during matches. McTominay expressed gratitude for the support he’s received in settling into his new surroundings. “It’s not easy going abroad and having to settle in but it’s been quite seamless to be fair in terms of how much the Italian people have helped me,” he said.
Playing at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium has also left a profound impact on McTominay. “When I first walked into the stadium it was a surreal feeling knowing he is an icon, an absolute legend of football. He is heavily in our hearts in Naples,” he reflected.
As McTominay prepares for Scotland’s upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Poland, national team manager Steve Clarke praised the midfielder’s smooth transition to Italian football. “It helps us if we have players going to top leagues abroad, especially if they have the impact Scott’s had in Italy. It just shows the quality he’s got,” Clarke said.
