Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano explained his nickname, rejecting Milan and PSG for Napoli “because of Carlo Ancelotti” and how beating Liverpool increased self-belief.
The 24-year-old Mexico international became the club’s most expensive ever signing at €38m plus bonuses from PSV Eindhoven after months of negotiations.
“It was gratifying to score against Juventus on my debut, although only a personal level, seeing as it didn’t generate any points,” he told La Repubblica newspaper.
Hirving ‘Chucky’ Lozano explained his nickname, rejecting Milan and PSG for Napoli “because of Carlo Ancelotti” and how beating Liverpool increased self-belief.
The 24-year-old Mexico international became the club’s most expensive ever signing at €38m plus bonuses from PSV Eindhoven after months of negotiations.
“It was gratifying to score against Juventus on my debut, although only a personal level, seeing as it didn’t generate any points,” he told La Repubblica newspaper.
“I tend to score on my debut wherever I play. I am looking beyond that and promise I will give my all for Napoli and to improve myself as a player.”
Lozano had also been targeted by Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, among others, so why choose the Stadio San Paolo?
“Napoli had Carlo Ancelotti on the bench, though, plus I was won over by the beauty of the city. I knew all about Ancelotti’s career, he is a super Coach, but I also discovered he’s a lovely person.
“I moved into a home in Posillipo, close to Lorenzo Insigne. I’ve already been around the city centre and the seafront, but I have five years on my contract and all the time I need to get to know it better.
“I am honoured to be the most expensive player in Napoli’s history. It represents further motivation and will push me on to do even better.
“We’re close to being a winning team and have to work hard. I’d only seen my teammates play on TV before, but I appreciate them even more up close.”
Napoli are trying to get their first Scudetto since the Diego Armando Maradona days.
“I never saw Maradona play live, but I studied him on TV and he was phenomenal. It’s natural the Napoli fans still adore him and I’ll try to follow in his footsteps.
“I don’t have any tattoos yet, I’m waiting for the right occasion. If Napoli will the Scudetto, then I’ll get one. Serie A is much quicker and more tactically evolved than the Dutch Eredivisie. There are top clubs like Juventus and Inter, with overall more quality. I was happy in Holland, but wanted a new adventure and Napoli represents a bright future.”
The Partenopei are also doing well in the Champions League, beating trophy holders Liverpool 2-0.
“Beating the Champions of Europe was exciting and a wonderful experience. We already knew that we were a strong team, but that win has increased our self-belief. Not everyone can take on Liverpool with such an attacking approach. I’m enthusiastic to be a part of this side.”
Lozano is known to all as Chucky, named after the evil doll come to life in the Child’s Play movies.
“He had a bit of a round face like mine and during the training camps at Pachuca, I’d amuse myself by hiding under the bed and scaring my teammates.”