McTominay: The Unlikely Hero Winning Hearts in Naples
In a city where football is a way of life, Napoli’s fans have been spoiled by moments of glory, but none more so than their two title wins spearheaded by the legendary Diego Maradona. The Argentine icon’s legacy continues to inspire adoration, with the stadium bearing his name. However, a new hero has emerged in the form of Scott McTominay, the Scottish midfielder who has captured the hearts of the Neapolitan faithful.
According to a report by the BBC, McTominay’s popularity in Naples is on the rise, with fans affectionately dubbing him "McFratm" or "McBro" in Neapolitan slang. Other nicknames include "McTerminator," "MacGyver," and "apribottiglie" or "the bottle opener." The 26-year-old has scored 12 goals for Napoli, with eight of them coming in matches that were still goalless.
In an interview with BBC Scotland, McTominay revealed what drew him to Napoli: "I saw the passionate fans, I saw the coach, I saw the players and I saw an opportunity." He added, "I took it, I didn’t look back. It didn’t take me long to make the decision because I knew that was what I wanted and I’ll never have any regrets in my life. As soon as I put my mind to something I want to do it, that’s it. There’s no holding me back."
McTominay’s love for Napoli and its fans is palpable, and it has not gone unnoticed. Brothers Ciro and Santo Sartore, who run a restaurant in Edinburgh called San Ciro’s, have put up a Scotland flag with the words "Napoli. McTominay. Pizza. In that order." Ciro told the BBC, "In my opinion, it’s because of how well he has taken to Napoli. Napoli fans love when a player commits to the city, and him kissing the Napoli badge shows how much the love and appreciation means to him. Obviously, scoring a lot of goals helps too."
The affection for McTominay extends beyond the city, with a shrine dedicated to him emerging in San Nicola a Nilo this month. Journalist Credendino noted, "Napoli fans could not be happier – he is the symbol of the attitude of this Napoli, with his intensity and sacrifice in every game." He added, "This is something the fans appreciate a lot, as they liked his kiss on the shirt in the match against Palermo in September and the fact he is learning Italian and even Neapolitan."
McTominay’s appreciation for Neapolitan culture is evident in his praise for the region’s tomatoes. In an interview with the Athletic, he said, "Oh my goodness, the tomatoes. I never ate them at home, they’re just red water. Here, they actually taste like tomatoes. Now I eat them as a snack. I eat all the vegetables, all of the fruits. It is all so fresh. It’s incredible." As reported by the BBC, this affection for local produce has only added to his popularity among Napoli and Italian fans.
In a city where loyalty is cherished, McTominay’s commitment to Napoli and its people has won him many admirers. While he may not reach the same level of iconic status as Maradona, he has undoubtedly become a fan favourite. As the BBC reports, McTominay’s journey to Naples was one of opportunity and instinct, and it seems that he has made the right decision in pursuing his passion for the club and its fans.
The BBC’s coverage of McTominay’s rise to fame in Naples provides a unique insight into the player’s experiences and the fans’ adoration. According to the BBC, McTominay’s story is one of dedication and hard work, and it is clear that he has endeared himself to the Neapolitan faithful. With his love for the club and its culture growing by the day, McTominay is set to remain a key player for Napoli for years to come.
Source: BBC Sport
