Scottish 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 his reasons for leaving Manchester United, 22 years after joining as a youth player.
“It was a big decision, but in some ways it was quite straightforward,” 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 didn’t look back. It didn’t take me long to decide because I knew this was what I wanted and I would never have any regrets in my life. As soon as I put my mind to something, that’s it. There is nothing holding me back.”
McTominay has quickly become a fan favorite in Italy, with his move coinciding with the arrival of international teammate Billy Gilmour.
Full Time: #UdinesNapoli 1-3
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— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) December 14, 2024
“I love this place,” McTominay said. “I love the fans, I love my teammates. It’s been a pleasure to be with Billy every day rather than seeing him in Scotland and we’ve helped each other a lot.”
The decision to allow McTominay to leave Old Trafford was not necessarily popular with fans and players, with then-manager Erik ten Haag saying he wanted to keep him but would have to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
“It was a mutual decision,” McTominay said. “It was a case of – there’s an opportunity, do you want to go?
“Obviously I know FFP is tough from their side. It’s not easy for clubs to make decisions about homegrown players, but that was never in my thought process.
“My thought process coming in here, looking at the fans, looking at the coach and hoping to do really well.
“On my last day, I had to go and see everyone and it wasn’t easy to say goodbye but that’s football, that’s life.
“In this situation, I have to look at number one and go with my gut feeling about what I want to do with my career and not be held back by any other external factors.”
