Scott McTominay: No 'regrets' over leaving Manchester United for Serie A leaders Napoli, with Diego Maradona 'in hearts'
Published 15/11/2024 at 19:16 GMT
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Scott McTominay has settled into life at Napoli well, becoming a firm fans' favourite under Antonio Conte as the club sits top of the Serie A table. The Scottish midfielder admitted he has no regrets over leaving his boyhood club Manchester United in the summer, who have struggled and are hoping for a turnaround under new boss Ruben Amorim.
McTominay finds corner with deft finish to give Napoli early lead over Inter
Video credit: TNT Sports
Scott McTominay said he has no regrets leaving Manchester United, and has enjoyed a "seamless" transition to Napoli with the club sitting top of the Serie A table.
The Scot left Old Trafford in the summer having spent 22 years at the club, rising from youth level to the senior side.
Under Antonio Conte, McTominay has become an important midfield presence following his reported £25 million move, while his former employers are languishing at 13th in the Premier League table and awaiting a new spark under Ruben Amorim.
The midfielder has contributed two goals and two assists in the league in nine appearances as they embark on a title challenge under former Chelsea boss Conte.
In an interview with The Times, McTominay said: "It was a huge decision for me, my family and my friends. 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. I've never had any regrets in my life or my career and I'll continue that way to this day.
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Highlights: Inter come from behind to earn point with Napoli after Calhanoglu screamer
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I want my career to be successful and I'm going to go out of my way to try and push myself to be the best football player and best person that I can possibly be as well."
With a Serie A title challenge in full swing and a warmer climate compared to Manchester, McTominay has enjoyed a "seamless" transition to life abroad.
McTominay had only a year left on his United contract with an option for a further 12 months, but left the Manchester club over a reported desire for regular first-team football.
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"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 settling into my house and whatever," McTominay added.
"Things I need like a car or a taxi or anything like that. So, yeah, I'm very grateful to them. They're real great people who I'm very thankful for as well.
"I always give my absolute best, no matter where I'm playing. Dedication, professionalism, I've tried to keep a hold of myself.
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McTominay finds corner with deft finish to give Napoli early lead over Inter
Video credit: TNT Sports
"The things that I've done throughout my career has always given me the best platform to play as well as I possibly can do.
"And that's all I really focus on. I don't think about any external things. Football is my sole driving force in life, and I just want to play as good as I can every time I get on the pitch."
MARADONA 'MOST ICONIC FOOTBALLER'
The 2022/23 season saw Napoli clinch the Serie A title for the first time since the days of Diego Maradona, who remains the club's most treasured star over 30 years after leaving the club.
Napoli's home ground - the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium - was named after the Argentina legend following his death in 2020.
McTominay was not alive while Maradona captured the hearts of Naples in the iconic sky-blue shirt, but admitted his presence still envelops the stadium that now bears his name.
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Raffaele Di Fusco,Massimo Crippa, Diego Armando Maradona, Francesco Romano and Giuliano Giuliani
Image credit: Getty Images
"He is obviously the most iconic footballer to ever walk and play the game," he added. "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. The people absolutely adore him which is a huge factor. Because of how well he played for them and the things he did in Naples. So for us, he is definitely in our head and hearts."
The Serie A leaders' title charge continues against AS Roma - who will be led by the recently-appointed Claudio Ranieri - on November 24 - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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