I wanted to go back for a moment, looking at the last three years: from Atalanta to Manchester United up to arriving here. Do you get the feeling that sometimes people forget that Rasmus is only 22? Do you feel like an “expert” 22-year-old? “Yes, I think I’ve already said it. I’ve played many matches as a professional. I’ve played important tournaments, Champions League, Europa League, different leagues, Italy… I’ve already played in many clubs. So yes, sometimes I feel like I’m… I don’t want to say an expert player, because I’m not, but I already have some experience. And it’s a question of giving the best of what I have and at the same time continuing to learn, because I still have a lot to learn. Obviously I’m 22: if you compare me with someone much younger maybe it seems like a lot [ride]but in general I’m not old. I still have a lot of room for growth.”
Did you see a different side of yourself to the 20-year-old who arrived at United? “Yes, I’m a little calmer now. I don’t draw conclusions too quickly. I try to look at the big picture more. Obviously I’m a better and more experienced player.”
I wanted to ask you about the move to Napoli, because from the outside, especially from England, it seemed to happen very quickly. Can you explain how this operation was born? “Yes. United were quite clear with me: I wasn’t part of the plans for this season. Without European competitions, I think Napoli saw an opportunity. As soon as I heard their interest, I immediately made it clear to my entourage that I only wanted to go there. I had good talks with the coach, with the sporting director and obviously also with the team.”
Do you remember the first conversation with Conte about the transfer? “Yes, it was quite short. We were both very clear that it was a good step for me. We hit it off straight away. It was a short conversation, but very positive.”
Did the fact that he is so good at developing attackers especially influence your decision? “Yes, of course. He’s an incredible coach. I’ve seen him do positive things wherever he’s been. When he calls you, you just have to say yes.”
Many have linked your arrival to Scott’s performance last season, given that you know him well. Have you talked about it? “Yes, but we are at different stages in our careers. I still have a lot to learn. He is older, with more responsibility behind him. I also want to prove something, obviously, but I am young and I have to play. That’s why this was a good opportunity.”
When you talk about demonstrating, is it internal or towards others? “A bit of both. Proving it to yourself is the most important thing: if you do it, then you also prove it to the world. I have very high expectations of myself.”
Have you always been so demanding? “Yes. I like to keep the bar high, because that way you push yourself to the maximum. If you reach a goal early, you risk relaxing a little. However, if you aim for something almost impossible — be it goals, growth in the game or even learning Italian — you focus on personal development.”
How important is it for you to integrate into Italian culture? “A lot. When you enter a new culture it’s important to integrate it into your lifestyle. Here the language is a fundamental part. I’m trying to learn, to improve. Now I understand almost everything they say. I still wouldn’t be able to have a conversation between two Neapolitans who speak dialect [risate]but the Italian is improving a lot.”
You’ve been here for three months. What does “success” mean to Rasmus Højlund this season? “Personal growth. Being the best version of myself. Improving every day, listening to the coach, learning from my teammates. Romelu will be back soon: I want to learn from him too. He has a lot of experience with this coach. Absorb everything, stay in shape, perform on the pitch.”
What did Romelu tell you about working with Conte and his development here? “Rom is a fantastic person. I didn’t know him well before. We talked a bit on the pitch and I even have a shirt of his at home. He’s an idol for me, I’ve always admired him. Obviously I want to play too [ride]but there is competition and rightly so. I want to learn from him: he always scores, he knows how to tie up the game, he can give me a lot.”
Speaking of idols: which strikers have you modeled your game after? “He is one of those. I studied a lot about how he protects the ball. Then Cristiano is my biggest idol. We are not the same type of player, but I tried to take his mentality and his hunger for goals. And then Lewandowski: great movement, he can do practically everything.”
With Cristiano? It would be rude not to ask you about its impact on you. “I think it’s just cool.” [ride] As a child, my friends and I admired him for how he behaves, for his confidence and his mentality: he always thinks he is the best and doesn’t care what others say. He just wants to continually improve. I admire this very much.”
Have you ever met him? “Once or twice, when we played against the national team and I celebrated him. We never really talked, but I would like to one day.”
With the Danish national team you seem like a reference figure for the new generation. Do you like this responsibility? “It’s not for me to say, but I’m one of the most capped players now. The team is getting younger. I try to help as much as I can, without being too vocal, because I’m still young and sometimes a little cheeky [risate]. On the pitch I take responsibility, off it I’m growing. There are still many leaders ahead of me, but it’s a role I want to grow into.”
It is important not to lose your personality. “Exactly, because that’s me. It’s a difficult balance, but I feel accepted and I like being in the national team. I hope they like it too. [ride]”
Do you know many of them from your Copenhagen days? “Yes, many. Academy, Under 21… it’s a good group. I see this team doing great things in the future.”
How is the atmosphere compared to the clubs? “It’s special. In the clubs there are many different cultures and languages. In the national team they all speak the same language, there’s a different energy. It’s a united group, no matter the age.”
What would it mean for you to play a World Cup? “It would mean everything. We have to win two tough games first, but we still have the opportunity. America will be a crazy place in the summer. It will be incredible.”
You are very hard on yourself. Has it always been like this? “Yes. I would like to score a hat-trick every game [ride]but you have to be realistic. If I play badly, I reset and move on. Even when I score, I’m already thinking about the next game. An example: I missed a penalty at home, I was devastated, but then I had a good performance, an assist and we won against a great opponent. This is the answer I want to give to myself.”
What differences do you see between Atalanta’s Rasmus and Napoli’s? “I’m more mature and a better player. I learned a lot in Manchester, playing at one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a lot of pressure. You carry that experience in your backpack.” [risate]”
Phil Jones told us about the first barbecue when you arrived at United. How has your life changed there? “So much attention, so much pressure. But it was a difficult step to refuse: I was a United fan. I think I did well, especially in the first year, when I was the team’s top scorer and we won a trophy. Now I’m in Naples and I’m very happy, but I was also happy in Manchester. Many are still my friends. I follow them and always support them.”
Taking the number 9 shirt so young… how did you handle that responsibility? “It was my decision. The coach told me there was an opportunity and I immediately said yes. For a striker, 9 is the number. I didn’t think much about it!.
Many United fans have told us to tell you they still love you. What does it mean for you? “It makes me very happy. I’m grateful for that time, but now I’m focused on this project. I’m really happy here and I’m enjoying it.”
Your personality also emerges on Instagram. Has it always been like this? “Yes, it’s my personality. With more followers you have more visibility. I have received a lot of positive feedback, even if there is criticism. It’s part of the game.”
Do they hit you? “It’s not nice, but I live with it. I’m fine with it.”
You’ve lived in many places. Where is “home” for Rasmus Højlund? “Denmark. But now also Italy. I can say that I have two homes: Italian and Danish”.
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