From an outside perspective, the move to Napoli and back to Serie A seemed like Rasmus Hojlund trying to find the joy of playing football again. But that wasn't the case, says Hojlund in an interview with TV2 Sport.
"I was happy to play football in Manchester. I know that, especially in Denmark, the media created an image that everything was all just s... and terrible, and that I played terrible football, but that's not how I look at it", says the Napoli-striker.
"The media has so much to say in this football world, and it's hard not to be influenced. But there's a lot more to it, and that's why I always stick to the importance of never flying too high and, conversely, never diving too low."
Following his move to Napoli for the 2025/26 season, Hojlund has been described as "reborn" under Antonio Conte, netting 13 goals across all competitions.
As of December 2025, he had already helped Napoli win the Italian Super Cup, calling the move a "great decision" after struggling for consistent playing time and form in his final season at Manchester United.
Hojlund will play a significant part in Denmark's attempt to qualify for the World Cup in the upcoming playoffs next weekend.