“I Wanted To Leave At All Cost Because I Didn't Feel Prepared But He Insisted That I Stay”

Following the recent revelation by Italian defender, Alessandro Bastoni that he has no plans to leave his current club, Inter Milan at the moment amidst growing interest from top clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea, the player has now taken it a step further with a new revelation on his career path.

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The left footed player has now revealed that he was close to leaving Inter shortly after his arrival, before Antonio Conte intervened and persuaded him to stay – a decision that would prove pivotal in his career as he has now become a mainstay in the starting line-up under different coaches since then.

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Speaking to Panini Italia’s YouTube channel during a fan event in Milan, the lanky defender reflected on his early doubts after joining the club in 2019. Bastoni arrived during Conte’s first season, entering a defensive unit that already included experienced figures in the squad.

With the likes of Milan Skriniar, Diego Godin, Stefan de Vrij, Andrea Ranocchia and Danilo D’Ambrosio all vying for a starting spot and despite the opportunity, Bastoni admitted he did not initially feel ready and explained that, after just 25 Serie A appearances with Parma, he pushed hard for a loan move.

“My agent can confirm that I wanted to leave at all costs because I didn’t feel prepared to play at that level,” Bastoni said. Conte, however, had other ideas. “He insisted that I stay and told me he would play me, and that’s exactly what happened.” He further added.

That faith proved decisive as Bastoni went on to establish himself as a key figure in Conte’s title-winning side, learning to seize every opportunity. “It’s difficult to break into teams that strong and make the most of the chances you get. I was good at taking them, and from there things became easier.”

The Italy international also reflected on the value of defeat, insisting setbacks have shaped him more than success. “You enjoy victories much less than defeats hurt,” Bastoni explained. “A loss stays with you through the night and makes you think about what you could have done better. That’s what really helps you grow.”

Looking ahead, he highlighted World Cup qualification with Italy as his clear international priority, while hinting at unfinished business with Inter. Now in his seventh season and closing in on 300 appearances, he also credited senior figures such as Samir Handanovic, Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic for instilling the responsibility that comes with wearing the Inter shirt.

In a related development, Tarik Muharemovic has acknowledged his long-term ambition to play in the Champions League while insisting his focus remains firmly on Sassuolo as the defender spoke at length to Sport Week, reflecting on his career path, inspirations and future goals.

Despite recent transfer speculation, Muharemovic stressed that he is happy where he is. “I’ve signed with Sassuolo until 2031 and I’m really happy here, but of course I want to reach the Champions League.” He said as he also revisited his move to Juventus earlier in his career, describing how quickly his path changed.

“I was playing for Wolfsberger,” he recalled. “I made my first-team debut against Salzburg. The next day I was called up to the Under-19 national team for matches against Croatia and Saudi Arabia. Juventus scouts were there to watch a Croatian player.”

“However, after the game, my dad called me and said: ‘Juventus want you.’ From that moment on, I didn’t want to listen to any other offers.” Training alongside established stars left a lasting impression. “I never expected Bonucci, who didn’t even know who I was, to stop and talk to me at our first meeting,”

Muharemovic said. “Leo gave me so much advice. How to defend better, how to use my body. Chiellini did the same, always smiling. I celebrate like him after saving a goal. From Bonucci, I’d like his personality, that aura that made me think: today Bonucci protects me.”

Asked about the toughest opponent he has faced, Muharemovic pointed to an unexpected name. “It wasn’t even a striker,” he said. “McTominay at Napoli made my head spin. He was everywhere. One moment on the wing, the next scoring a header in the box, beating me.”

On his broader ambitions, Muharemovic was honest. “Serie A suits me a lot, but the Premier League is everyone’s dream. As a kid I supported Barcelona like my dad, and I argued with my cousins who were all Real Madrid fans.” He replied and this would definitely catch the interest of Inter who have been monitoring the player.

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For now, however, the message is clear: ambition for the future, commitment in the present, and steady growth at Sassuolo as interest continues to build while a move in the summer is possible but it would take nothing less than a transfer fee of around €45m to sign him, depending on the number of clubs interested.

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