Rasmus Hojlund has cleared up the meaning behind his celebration after scoring twice for Napoli in their 2-1 win against Sporting CP in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The 22-year-old got off the mark in Europe as he raced onto Kevin De Bruyne’s pass to finish neatly past Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva in the 36th minute.
Luis Suarez pulled Sporting level from the penalty spot in the second half but De Bruyne and Hojlund combined once again to secure the win for Antonio Conte’s side with 11 minutes remaining.
Hojlund joined Napoli on an initial loan deal in the closing stages of the summer transfer window but the Serie A champions will make the transfer permanent for £38 million next summer.
After scoring for Napoli on Wednesday night, Hojlund was seen pointing to both the Champions League and Napoli badges on his shirt, with some Manchester United supporters viewing the gesture as a dig towards the club.
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But Hojlund insists he wanted to take the opportunity to express his happiness with playing for Napoli in the Champions League.
When asked about the meaning behind his celebration, Hojlund said: ‘The badges was because I’m happy to play for Napoli and in the Champions League because I love to score in Europe.’
Hojlund also paid tribute to De Bruyne, who provided the assist for both of his goals against Sporting.
‘I think to play with a player like Kevin it’s very special,’ Hojlund said.
‘I’ve played with a lot of incredible players at Manchester United as well, but Kevin is an exceptional talent,
‘He’s won so much, he’s a legend of the game, for me it’s just about finding the spaces and he’ll put the ball in the spaces just for me just to run into.’
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