McTominay on ‘big’ Man Utd transfer decision and ‘help’ from Italian people | OneFootball

Napoli star Scott McTominay admits leaving Manchester United last summer was a ‘big decision’ but has no regrets and is grateful to his family and Italian people for helping him in his first few months in Naples.

McTominay joined Napoli from Manchester United in a €30m deal last summer.

He’s had an immediate impact at the Stadio Maradona with two goals and two assists in nine Serie A appearances so far this season.

The 27-year-old is a product of the Manchester United academy and had spent all his career at Old Trafford before moving to Italy in August.

“Obviously it’s a big decision, there’s no denying that,” he told 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. I’ve never had any regrets in my life or my career and I continue that way to this day. 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.

McTominay on ‘big’ Man Utd transfer decision and ‘help’ from Italian people

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 10: Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 10, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“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,” he continued.

“I’ve got great people around me who help me so much and the stress in my life is very minimal because I’ve got a really good family, amazing friends and I have a lovely girlfriend who do so much for me. I’m very grateful for them. 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 settle into my house and whatever. Things I need, like a car or a taxi or anything like that. So, yeah, I’m very grateful to them.”

The Stadio Maradona impressed McTominay in his first home game this season.

“He [Maradona] is obviously the most iconic footballer to ever walk and play the game,” said the midfielder.

“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.”

McTominay was joined by his compatriot Billy Gilmour in Naples and joined other Scotsmen such as Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson and Torino’s Ché Adams.

“It helps us if we have players going to top leagues abroad, especially if they have the impact Scott’s had in Italy,” said the ex-Manchester United midfielder.

“It just shows the quality he’s got. To hit the ground running in Serie A isn’t always easy. A lot of players would go and struggle to find their feet in that league because it’s slightly different to the Premier League, it’s more tactical. But he’s working under a really good head coach and together they’ll keep improving.”

McTominay scored a goal in a 1-1 draw against Inter before the international break in November. His Napoli side are the Serie A table leaders, one point clear of Inter, Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina.