“I’ve always really liked Inter, I’m very happy here. Inter is the only team for me: back in Brazil my favourite team has always been Inter – Internacional of Porto Alegre, but they’re still Inter!” Juan Jesus, spoke with a big smile on his face during ‘Prima Serata‘

The Brazilian defender explains that playing for the Nerazzurri is “a dream, a lot of fun. I used to play with Inter on the Playstation before I came here and I’m now actually playing for them in real life! And I’m very settled here, everyone has been very helpful, ‘Pupi’ especially.”

What about his first memories of Inter?

“I’ll never forget how cold it was when I first joined, it snowed during my first training session at Appiano Gentile. It was cold, freezing, but it was a dream come true: Inter. I like Milan, I enjoy living here and every day I discover something new: I even took the metro!”

Juan Jesus then looks forward and sees his future with Inter:

“I want to win trophies with Inter over a sustained period, at least 10-15 years. Could I stay here for the rest of my career? I’m young, I hope to stay here for a long time, for the rest of my career.”

We begin by discussing his closest friends, people Juan Jesus spends time with, not just in the dressing room, but also on nights out:

“I spend a lot of my time with Coutinho and Jonathan. I knew ‘Cou’ from the Under-20 World Cup and Jonathan is a bit like an older brother. We often have dinner together: either our wives cook or we eat out.”

As soon as Juan Jesus mentions Coutinho’s name, a video is played in the studio: it’s the young striker laughing at his team-mate and even comparing him to Shrek of all people. Juan chuckles in agreement:

“It’s true, people always say that, it’s because of my ears.” Juan meanwhile had praise for his countryman saying, “I would compare Coutinho to a Ferrari because once he sets off with the ball you can’t catch him. He’s tough to defend against in training.”

“I slept on the plane, I was tired, luckily I nod off fairly easily.” This is what Juan Jesus had to say on Inter Channel’s ‘Prima Serata‘ when he was asked about the late trip home after the Europa League win in Baku.

The attention then moves to the derby:

“One of the world’s biggest club games, a dream fixture between two terrific sides. But we have to win! Neither team will start as favourites, you never know what can happen in football. Robinho? I hope to keep him quiet,” smiled Juan Jesus.

From the city’s big game to the fans:

“I’ve got a great relationship with them, I like spending time with the fans. I feel their backing, their support, it’s hugely important.”

Just as his relationship with coach Andrea Stramaccioni is also very important:

“He’s a young coach but he knows what he’s doing, he’s well prepared and he knows how to make you feel important and give you confidence.”

If you hadn’t been a defender, what position would you have liked to play in? “Up front,” Juan Jesus replied without a moment’s hesitation.

On the subject of his position on the pitch, he also explained that:

“I have no problem playing with three or four at the back: whatever the boss chooses is fine by me.”

Some of the fans who wrote in to Inter Channel said they hoped he would become the best defender in the world. On hearing those words he sighed and let out a smile before exclaiming,

“Let’s hope so!” But he also admitted: “To do that, first I must improve the tactical side of my game. I’m not short in the strength department but there’s more of a tactical element here than in Brazil, where football is played faster. I still have to get used to that. My relationship with Thiago Silva for Brazil? I’ve learnt a lot from him, I think we can have a big part to play in the history of the Seleção. He’s taught me things about the differences in Italian football. Playing at the Olympics has also helped me a lot. Thiago was a great help there too and the head coach placed his faith in me. It was a fantastic experience that really helped me to develop as a player.”

At one point during his interview on Prima Serata, images of Juan Jesus’s Nerazzurri debut appeared on the screen.

“Who can forget their debut? That was at the Olimpico against Lazio on 13 May. Unfortunately we didn’t get the result we wanted, but you always remember your debut as a big moment, an exciting moment. Just as I remember the first time I sat on the bench, when Ranieri was still coach.”

From Nerazzurri memories to other memories of his life away from the field and his hobbies. One after another, Juan Jesus responded to questions sent in from curious fans:

“I left home when I was 14. I really miss my family but this is my job. My idol when I was growing up? Lucio, for his power and strength. Why do I wear the No.40 shirt? Because I have number 4 for Brazil and here that number belongs to the captain… Will I wear it one day? No, the No.4 shirt will be history when Pupi retires – impossible to wear it!”

From this team-mate to his life-mate:

“I’m married to Caroline. She’s 23 and still studying. We got married in January this year, in Brazil. She helps me a lot, she’s really supportive. My wife is very important to me. Do I get on with Andrea Ranocchia, my partner in defence? He’s a friend as well. He’s a good lad and yes, we get on really very well.”

Finally, Juan revealed what he likes to do in his free time:

“I play on the Playstation, go to the cinema and I enjoy tennis. Nadal is my favourite!”