Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has opened up on moving out of his "comfort zone" and playing in a different country. McTominay joined Napoli last summer and in his maiden season in Italy, he scored 13 goals and helped his side win the Serie A title. He was also named the league's Player of the Season and became a crowd favourite.
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McTominay opened up on playing for Napoli Excited to play alongside De Bruyne Won Serie A title in first season Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Scotland international had a memorable debut campaign in Naples under Antonio Conte as he won his first-ever league title and only the second major trophy of his professional career. McTominay has now opened up on his experience in a new league, speaking highly of the Napoli fans' passion for the game.
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Speaking to the at Wimbledon, the 28-year-old said: "The people in Naples are incredible, they're so passionate and everywhere you go there are people who say 'Forza Napoli' and they want to speak to you and have a conversation and that inspires you every time you go on the pitch because they care. It's different, a totally different way of life over there – the way you eat, the way you live and all that. It gives you more mental strength.
"I've always lived very close to my mum, so I could go whenever I wanted. Whereas now I live 1,500 miles away so I can't just go home and see my mum, my family, my sister and my kids so it's different, but in life you sometimes have to take yourself out of your comfort zone and I've always prided myself on that. I would never want to be in my comfort zone, and if I can go away anywhere and establish myself and do well, why not? Who's to stop me doing that?"
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While the Scot had a dream year, his former club finished 15th in the Premier League and missed out on European football. McTominay, however, has wished the Red Devils luck for the upcoming season as he added: "I always want the absolute best for Manchester United, it's been my life for 22-23 years. For me, I wish the club all the success in the world and I'll be with them every step of the way. I want them to do well."
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Napoli have brought in Manchester City icon Kevin De Bruyne as a free agent this summer to further bolster the squad before their title defence. Giving his verdict on the Belgian's arrival, McTominay added: "He's an incredible player and obviously someone who will bring so much quality to the group and for us to have him, it's amazing. Bringing in players of that quality in and that nature is very, very important and we want to kick on again. We don't want to be content with what we've had."