Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has explained why he had to “look after the number one” when he made the difficult decision to leave Manchester United in the summer.
Since moving to Napoli, McTominay has impressed with four goals and two assists in 15 appearances.
But he explained the factors that led to his departure from Manchester United, 22 years after joining as a youth player.
“It was a big decision but in some ways it was quite simple,” the Scotland midfielder told BBC Scotland.
“I saw the passionate fans, I saw the coach, I saw the players and I saw an opportunity.
“I took it. I haven't looked back. It didn't take me long to make the decision because I knew it was what I wanted and what I will never regret in my life. Once I set my sights on something I want to do, that's all.
McTominay has quickly become a fan favorite in Italy, with his move also coinciding with the arrival of international teammate Billy Gilmour.
Full-time: #UdineseNapoli 1-3
#ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/YGtwwPODG2
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) December 14, 2024
“I love this place,” McTominay said. “I love the fans, I love my teammates. It was a pleasure to be with Billy every day, rather than just seeing him in Scotland, and we helped each other a lot.”
The decision to allow McTominay to leave Old Trafford was not necessarily popular among fans and players, with then manager Erik ten Hag saying he wanted to keep him but also had to comply with Financial Fair Play rules keep.
“It was a mutual decision,” McTominay said. “It was a case of – there's a chance, do you want to go?
“Of course I know from their side that FFP is difficult. It is not easy for clubs to make a decision on homegrown players, but that was never in my mind.
“My thought process was coming here, seeing the fans and the coach and hopefully doing really good things.
“On my last day I had to visit everyone and it wasn't easy to say goodbye, but that's football, that's life.
“In this situation, I have to look out for number one and go with my gut feeling about what I want to do in my career, and not let other external factors hold me back.”
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