Hirving Lozano relishing pressure of Napoli – and Mexican – record transfer status

Napoli newcomer Hirving Lozano says he is “happy” to play under the seismic pressure of being the club’s record signing.

The incisive winger joined Carlo Ancelotti’s side from PSV Eindhoven for £34.4m last week, becoming the most expensive Mexican player of all time in the process by eclipsing the fee Wolves paid Benfica for Raul Jimenez.

Lozano to Napoli: Five things to know…

• Lozano joined Napoli from PSV for £34.4m last week.
• In doing so he became Napoli’s record signing and the most expensive Mexican player ever.
• The transfer was also the largest fee PSV have ever received for a player.
• In 30 games last season he scored 17 goals and registered eight assists.
• He became Ancelotti’s sixth signing this summer.

Having shone at the Philips Stadium, Lozano had garnered the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs, but the Parthenopeans ultimately secured the 24-year-old’s services.

Lozano has been speaking about the prospect of lighting up the touchline at the San Paolo Stadium, revealing he is relishing such a heavy price tag being associated to his name.

When asked if the record fee brings added pressure, Lozano explained: “It makes me happy.

“I’m really happy that such a big club has invested in me.

“I spoke to [Aurelio] de Laurentiis several times and he told me all about the team and the club. His desire to bring me to Napoli was part of what made my mind up.

“I’m honoured and proud to be the first Mexican to play here – it spurs me on to give everything I have.”

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“Serie A is different to the Dutch league”

Lozano went on to discuss the differences he is expecting from the Eredivisie to Italian football, believing he will have to acclimatise to a more physical-orientated style in Serie A.

He added: “I know that Serie A is different to the Dutch league. You need to show more physical strength and run more here.

“I’m here to learn and adapt as quickly as possible, with the help of the team and the coach.”