Calhanoglu: “We Want to Win the Scudetto”
Written by Jacobs Dunga
Hakan Calhanoglu granted his first interview as an Inter Milan player on Tuesday after passing his routine medicals at the Humanitas resource hospital in Milan. Hakan decided to join crosstown rivals Inter from the red side of the divide after allowing his contract to wind down thereby bringing to an end a four year spell at Milan where he scored 32 goals and provided a further 48 assists in the 172 times he appeared in official games for the Rossoneri.
Reports have it that the Turkey international has put pen to paper on a three years deal with an option of a further year at an annual salary of €5m net. Inter pounced on the opportunity to sign the free agent after notice of his refusal to extend with his former employers and a growing speculation regarding the health of Christian Eriksen who suffered cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at the ongoing Euro 2020.
A compensation fee of around €3.5m was said to have been paid to his agent. Hakan had this to say in his first interview as an Inter Milan player.
Welcome to Inter! What are your feelings about playing for the champions of Italy?
“It’s a great feeling. Inter is a great club with great fans. You know what it means for me to arrive here, I’m very happy and content. Now I have to wait for twenty days of vacation, but it’s a great feeling. This year we want to win the Scudetto again, we’ll see if we can.”
Your numbers are growing. Do you think you’re arriving here at the peak of your footballing maturity?
“The first year was difficult for me because I did not speak the Italian language and did not know the city. Then I met many friends and began to mature. Now I have many friends and colleagues, on and off the pitch. Last year, I played very well under Pioli, I was in a role I liked and I think I have to do the same here.”
Have you already the chance to meet with Simone Inzaghi?
“We have already talked about this, I know his 3-5-2or 3-4-1-2. I really liked how he talked, I’ve heard so many good things from him. There are great objectives, I really want to win things in Italy.”
Since 2013, only Messi has scored more free kicks than you, in Germany they call you “the freekick god” what is your secret?
“The secret is always work. It’s a 50-50 between talent and work, like tennis. I still have to keep training, I hope to score many goals that way.”
You created 89 scoring chances, no one in Europe did as well as you. Is it better to score a goal to providing an assist?
“It’s better to assist a goal than to score one because inside me there is no selfishness to score goals. The team always comes first.”
A great former nerazzurri player, Emre said he was delighted to see you in the Inter jersey. What do you think about that?
“We talked, he was very happy. He said good things about Inter, that it’s a good place to work and organized in all departments. He told me that Inter are a great club and I’m sure to have fun.”
Inter’s midfield displayed plenty of quality and substance during the just ended season. What do you think you can add?
“Quality and quantity. You have to suffer because no one just gives you the shirt. If you work and suffer, the chances always come.”
What is your personal objective for the upcoming season?
“Not just for me but also for my teammates, I hope for an injury-free season. Apart from that I want to win the league and do great things in the Champions League.”
Do you want to send a message to the Nerazzurri fans?
“Hello to all the Inter fans, I am very happy to be here. I hope we will see each other soon at the San Siro. Forza Inter!”
Do you have a story tip?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube
About Author
