In Awe of Cristiano Ronaldo - Rasmus Hojlund on Emulating His Idol
Unveiling the deep-seated admiration Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund holds for Cristiano Ronaldo and his journey from Old Trafford to Napoli.
Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund has revealed why Cristiano Ronaldo is his biggest idol. The Dane has followed in Ronaldo's famous footsteps by playing for the Red Devils but is currently shining with Napoli after moving to the Serie A side on a season-long loan. Hojlund says that he has always been a big admirer of Ronaldo's mentality, rock solid confidence and hunger for goals.Hojlund has admitted he was a big Manchester United and Ronaldo fan, two reasons why he was so keen to join the club back in 2023 from Atalanta. The striker won the FA Cup and reached the Europa League final in his first campaign at Old Trafford but struggled for goals last season and subsequently joined Napoli on a season-long loan. Hojlund has said he "felt he did well" at United but revealed he moved on after being told he was no longer in the club's plans, following the arrival of summer signings Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. Hojlund is now playing a key role for Napoli and could up up making the transfer permanent, due to a clause in his contract, if Conte's men secure qualification to the Champions League.Hojlund has now opened up on the players who have influenced his career and has spoken of his admiration for Ronaldo. He told Sports Illustrated: "Obviously Cristiano is my biggest idol. I think I've tried to learn a bit from him. We're not the the same sort of player but in terms of mentality and his hunger for goals and like that sort of sense. "I just think he's so cool to be fair. I think since I was young me and my friends have always looked up to him because of the way he carries himself, his self-confidence and his mentality. He thinks he's the best even though some people might not think that. He doesn't give an F about anything he just wants to keep improving, improving, improving. I really admire that about him."I've only met him once or twice and that was when we played them with the national team when I did his celebration. I haven't really spoken to him but I would love to one day."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Hojlund is also a big fan of Lukaku, another former Manchester United player now plying his trade with Napoli, and says he's also been a big influence. He added: "Rom is a fantastic guy. I didn't really know him from before, I had a couple of chats with him on the pitch. I've actually got a Romelu shirt at home. So in that sense, he's always been an idol for me, because I've always looked up to him. It's going to be nice but obviously I want to play! So there's going to be competition but I think as I've spoken to him, I want to learn from him as well. I feel like he can give me so much because he's always been scoring goals and he's great at linking the play. These sort of things. I think there's a lot he can give out. From that perspective, it would be nice for him."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingHojlund has three goals in his last three outings for Napoli and will aim to continue that form when Conte's side return to action on January 4th against Lazio in Serie A. The striker is now facing increased competition for a starting spot at Napoli, with Lukaku now back to fitness after missing the first half of the campaign after picking up an injury in pre-season.
Rasmus Hojlund's Journey: From Manchester United to Napoli
Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund recently shared his utmost admiration for his footballing idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Hojlund, who trod in Ronaldo's renowned footsteps by donning the Red Devils' iconic jersey, then made a move to Serie A side Napoli on a season-long loan. The Danish striker attributes his fascination with Ronaldo to the legend's unyielding mentality, unwavering confidence, and insatiable hunger for goals.
Idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo: A Source of Inspiration
Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, Hojlund, a self-professed Manchester United and Ronaldo devotee, acknowledged the profound impact the club and the iconic forward had on him. Despite facing challenges in finding the net last season, Hojlund's admiration for Ronaldo's self-assured demeanor and passion for improvement pushed him to embrace change and embark on a new chapter with Napoli.
Ronaldo, the Epitome of Self-Confidence and Growth
In an exclusive interview with Sports Illustrated, Hojlund shed light on the invaluable influence Ronaldo has had on his career. Hailing the Portuguese star as his 'biggest idol,' Hojlund drew parallels between their playing styles and emphasized the importance of a strong mentality and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He fondly recalled facing Ronaldo on the pitch during a national team encounter, where he paid homage to the superstar with a celebratory gesture.
Learning from the Best: Lukaku and Hojlund's Aspirations
Apart from Ronaldo, Hojlund also expressed his admiration for another former Manchester United player, Romelu Lukaku. Embracing the competition for a starting spot at Napoli, Hojlund highlighted Lukaku's prowess in goal-scoring and playmaking as traits he aims to incorporate into his own game. Eager to glean wisdom from the seasoned striker, Hojlund envisions a collaborative dynamic that fosters growth and mutual respect within the team.
Onwards to Success: Hojlund's Goals for Napoli
With three goals in his last three appearances for Napoli, Hojlund is poised to maintain his impressive form as the team gears up for their upcoming Serie A clash against Lazio. In the face of heightened competition following Lukaku's return to fitness, Hojlund remains steadfast in his commitment to continuous improvement and learning, mirroring the unwavering dedication exemplified by his footballing idols.
