Rasmus Hojlund has officially completed his permanent move from Manchester United to Napoli after the Serie A club secured Champions League qualification. The Denmark international's switch, worth £38million, was triggered by a conditional obligation included in last summer's loan deal.
Napoli confirmed their place in Europe's premier club competition with a 3-0 victory at Pisa on Sunday. Former United midfielder Scott McTominay, Amir Rrahmani and Hojlund himself scored. Although a run of one win in five had raised doubts, a superior head-to-head record over Roma meant victory was sufficient.
In an emotional Instagram post, Hojlund said the goal felt symbolic because it confirmed both Champions League qualification and his permanent Napoli status, as well as marking a goodbye to United. "This goal felt symbolic because it means two things... I'm officially a Napoli player and I'm saying goodbye to Manchester United," he wrote.
He expressed gratitude to Napoli fans for making him feel at home and to United for fulfilling his childhood dream. "My childhood dream came true by playing at Old Trafford in a red jersey... It's time for new dreams, so let's chase them," he added.
The 23-year-old has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season, though Sunday's strike was his first since March. Napoli boss Antonio Conte has defended him, saying: "He's the only striker we have in the squad... He has a lot of energy and is a player with excellent qualities."
