Though Sebastien Frey only wore the Nerazzurri for two years, it seemed like a match made in heaven where both the fan base and player had such mutual admiration. Frey is now keeping busy with being an ambassador for Inter under “Inter Forever”, involved in FIFA ambassador roles included that of his respective National team, when asked on all these involved roles he advised “It sure keeps me busy so I’m rarely bored”.
You had the privilege to play with Ronaldo, who just turned 41 years of age. What were your thoughts of him when you saw him take the pitch?
“I arrived to a gigantic club like Inter as a young boy, soon after their victory of the Eufa Cup (known as Europa League today) and a team full of Champions. The moment I arrived at Appiano the likes of Ronaldo, Simeone, Pagliuca and Zanetti we’re away with their national teams for the world-cup so I wanted to really show my worth prior to their arrival. When the whole roster came back from the World-Cup it was sensational to see those players training, at such a high caliber, especially seeing Ronaldo who was the greatest and my opinion will always be the greatest.”
We saw his ability on the field, how was Ronaldo off the pitch?
“To think of it, he was just as great on the field as he was off of it. He was a gentlemen and likeable lad to all, members of his National Team, teammates at Inter and even the youngsters from Primavera. He treated everyone within the organization like they’ve been wearing the Black and Blue for a life-time.”
What was one of your favorite memories as a player wearing the Nerazzurri shirt?
“I have exceptional memories in my time with Inter. My 1st year I remember like it was yesterday the 2nd leg vs Real Madrid in the group stage, where Inter won 3-1 thanks to a double scored by Roberto Baggio. I was on the bench and after his 2nd goal I thought the stadium was going to collapse! It was a surreal moment for me.”
In another manner, describe to us the negative Derby where Milan defeated Inter 6-0?
“Knowing the magnitude of the match on a global level and how important it is to the city of Milan, it was hugely disappointing. It seemed Milan was possessed in that match while we just seemed paralyzed! A brutal defeat but after the 90 minute you have to move forward even though it was such a tough pill to swallow.”
How was the locker room after the 6-0 Defeat of the Derby?
“There was silence after the defeat, nothing to say, we all knew the magnitude in defeat.”
Do you have any such regrets during your time at Inter?
“No, thankfully regrets in my career I have none. I may have a few when it came down to the National Team, but that is a discussion for another day. I played two years for Inter and tried to give it my all day in and day out. Truly thought I would be an Inter player for my whole career but it didn’t come down to this manner. When I returned back wearing other colors against Inter at San Siro, I was being mocked and insulted but now this affection has changed and I couldn’t be happier with my place within the club. Inter is my 1st love and I will always cherish this shirt.”
Did you expect to receive a negative reaction once you returned back to San Siro as a former player?
“I expected it because there was an article written which was misinterpreted for which I wanted to leave the Nerazzuri for Parma to push and play for Champions League Football. This was NOT the case, nor did I discuss this in any such interview. All I wanted was another experience with a different club, in an atmosphere a bit calmer where I can grow as a player. When it comes down to creating a problem, the media is perfect for it.”
Any other issues with the media?
“Yes, at this point this gives me the occasion to say I never jumped naked into the pool, it was simply invented. Unfortunately, those who write have the right to and only the public can receive these words whether truthful or not. Don’t understand the credibility of these people writing such nonsense. ”
Let’s move to the Inter of today, Handanovic is set to renew his contract: Is this a correct decision?
“All day long. I truly believe Handanovic has showcased his worth as an Inter player and that he’s received the respect from the club. Even this year where Inter is playing for major objectives that Handanovic has come up with massive saves to assist the club. Even though he’s quiet, maybe it’s good he’s quiet especially in a club of this sort like Inter. Inter is in great hands with Samir.”
In 2021, he will be 37 years of age. Should the Nerazzurri find someone to replace him?
“There’s time, it’s 4 years from now. Maybe there may come a new Donnarumma or Inter would have to invest in someone of high magnitude. For now Inter needs to concern itself with the future and Handanovic is such a reliable option.”
Is Perin an eventual replacement?
“I Don’t know. It’s to be evaluated. This year for him will be an important season because of his two major injuries. Playing a strong season will showcase his worth and ability to play for a large club.”
Staying on the Inter-Genoa road, the name being mentioned at the moment is Pellegri. Preziosi wants 35-40 Million, is he worth it? Does this pressure hurt a player negatively?
“When I think of players of this sort, when I also see my son who is now 15 and a half years old, seeing players in Serie A this young showcases quality of the players but also the league. The concern is when a player sees figures of this sort, there is so much pressure where you fail to realize the importance of growing as a player and that is where the balance needs to be created to protect the player as well especially at 16 years old.”
There is also a risk of Balotelli? Even he debuted at 17 years of age..
“The character becomes the major role here. The fact that Pellegri has his father that works within the club is a major role to protect the player. He’s close to his boy and lead him to the straight line, this is a huge factor that Pellegri has. Unfortunately, this is what Mario did NOT have. Mario Balotelli had the qualities to be the best player in all of Europe, unfortunately his had took that away, but he’s also have a great campaign for NICE.”
After the Draw against Bologna, what match do you see against Genoa today?
“Believe todays match will be very interesting because there are two teams that must win. Nerazzurri must win in order to maintain the distance between Napoli and Juve. Genoa must win because of where they are in the bottom half of the standings. This will be an intense match, should be a timid start but an open match. Inter though plays at home, and they’ve obtained the enthusiasm of the fans for which there will be over 50,000 which means all.”
Did you expect a better mercato from Inter?
“It wasn’t the high-rated mercato that many expected because of the names aren’t that of Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi, but Inter made the best acquisition they could of made, a sensational coach with great character who understands football. Spalletti is a smart coach and great charisma.”
