McTominay reveals newfound love for tomatoes, hails 'incredible' food

Scott McTominay is enraptured by Italian cuisine and has taken to life in the country since his move to Napoli from Manchester United last summer.

The Scotland international was a favourite among a minority of Red Devils supporters during his time at Old Trafford, though judgement of him mainly stressed the limitations of his game. In Naples, he is adored.

McTominay's contribution to Antonio Conte's side - seven goals and two assists in 26 games - has helped fire Napoli to within three points of the leaders Inter Milan as they go in search of just their fourth-ever Scudetto.

Rather heartwarmingly, the 28-year-old appears to have taken to Naples just as much as its inhabitants have taken to him. Having been transported from the north of England to one of the culinary capitals of the world, McTominay is relishing the cuisine in the southern Italy, especially the tomatoes.

'Oh my goodness,' the midfielder told The Athletic. 'The tomatoes. Bellissimo.

'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.'

The Scot's comments evoke images of him gorging on any and every delicacy in the Campanian capital, indeed reports last month claimed that he was being monitored because of the 'many temptations of Neapolitan cuisine'.

The professional athlete revealed the key player in ensuring he maintains the physique required to compete at the highest level.

He and Scottish international colleague Billy Gilmour, who lives a short distance away, share the services of a private chef, Mario, who McTominay hailed almost as much as the food he provides.

He added: 'He’s so good. He goes and gets the vegetables and the fish and everything from the market every morning. All fresh. He’s amazing.'

The former Red Devil missed Napoli's recent win over AC Milan due to illness but he could return for the trip to Bologna - where the midfielder will find a regional cuisine of even greater acclaim that Naples.

Conte's men have a largely favourable fixture list after their trip to the Renato Dall'Ara, while table-toppers Inter juggle their Champions League and Coppa Italia campaign with tricky tests in the league.