Scott McTominay: How Napoli midfielder became Ballon d’Or nominee after leaving Manchester United

Aside from the football, McTominay – who qualifies for Scotland through his father – is loving life on and off the pitch.

Born in Lancaster in north-west England, he joined Manchester United as a five-year-old.

But last year he decided to stand on his own two feet after 255 appearances for United.

Speaking about living abroad, he told BBC Radio 5 Live recently: “It gives you more mental strength.

“I’ve always lived very close to my mum, so I could go whenever I wanted.

“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?”

Having his friend and Scotland team-mate Billy Gilmour helps. The midfielder joined Napoli on the same day as McTominay from Brighton.

“It’s different, a totally different way of life over there – the way you eat, the way you live and all that,” continued McTominay.

“I’ve been lucky that I have one of my good friends there in Billy Gilmour and he’s been great with me. We’ve helped each other out along the way and drive each other in different things.

“It’s been great, and I’m someone in life who just wants to take it head-on. I just want to go out and give it my absolute best – the different culture and language and have a great time.”