Inter’s new midfielder Hernanes was interviewed by Corriere dello Sport and during the interview he talked about many things, such as the move to Inter, his goals for the future, his memories of Lazio, the relationship with Inter’s fans and opponents.
After three wins in three games in which you played from the start, is it correct to say that Inter are dependent on Hernanes?
“Don’t exaggerate… I’m here to give my contribution, to be on hand for my teammates who already have great qualities. We all hope that the results will come.”
In which game do you feel you have played the best so far?
“The match against Torino. Before, I had physical problems and until now I hadn’t made up my mind to rest to avoid more serious problems, I went out on the pitch even though I wasn’t in the best shape. Now the adductor muscle is almost in place and on Sunday it felt good.”
Against Torino you showed the fans your two foot dribble, a dribble that Inter fans have come to love since Ronaldo.
“It’s a very brazilian dribble and I love it. Performing it well at an important time in a game is the best.”
Ronaldo succeeded with it in the final of the UEFA Cup against Lazio when they won 3-0.
“I played against Ronaldo when he was at Corinthians and I was at São Paulo, he is the best I’ve seen in action, he’s number one.”
What do you think when Thohir says Hernanes is the leader on the midfield?
“His words make me happy, but at the same time, I’m surprised because I realize that I just arrived and I need results to show what I’m worth. But everyon has loved me from the beginning.”
Maybe because Inter needed a… Hernanes.
“Maybe so, but if you look at the squad, you will see that there are many players who can get past his players and make a decisive action. I think of Guarin, Alvarez, Botta…”
Do you feel more responsibility because you were Thohir’s first major signing?
“A responsibility, but also a pleasure. At Inter, I feel very comfortable and I feel no fear or worry, things will go well. During the last years I have worked very hard to get here.”
You have so far never played in the Champions League. Will Inter give you this opportunity?
“Absolutely. The first goal is to reach the Champions League and we hope to do it by the end of next season.”
A fourth place this year, is it possible?
“I think so, because we are one point behind Fiorentina and they must also focus on the Europa League, while we will only have the league.”
How great is the difference between Inter and the teams in the first three positions in the table?
“I don’t think it’s as big as the points we are behind Juventus (28 ed.), Roma (14 ed.) and Napoli (11 ed.) suggests. Inter have gone through a period of change at the club and the team hasn’t shown everything they can.”
Is the third straight Scudetto for Juventus well deserved?
“Without a doubt, because they won so many games in a row, which shows an amazing continuity. At the beginning of the season, Roma won ten wins in a row and seemed to have done something incredible, but it was enough that Giallorossi played a draw in two or three games for the Bianconeri to pass them. Juventus deserve first place this year too.”
Will you be able to fight for the Scudetto next season?
“We’ll try.”
And can you win?
“Inter is… Inter. This shirt is ‘powerful.’ We have a great club behind us and although Juve has great quality, we’re not far behind. I just know what it is that we want and I came here to win. In my life I have always believed that you can do a lot even if you have little. Consider then what I can do now that I have a lot. During the next two or three years, we want the Scudetto.”
Will Vidic be helpful?
“We have several good defenders even now, but Vidic has quality, maturity and experience enough to help us.”
On Saturday you will meet Verona, a team that gives you good memories.
“I have only met gialloblù once in my career, in the Coppa Italia in January 2012, we won 3-2. It was me who scored the decisive goal on free kick in extra-time.”
From whom did you learn to shoot free kicks?
“By Marcelinho Carioca who has been specialist in Corinthians for several years, but also from Juninho Pernambucano and from Beckham.”
What is the secret to be able to shoot equally well with the right and left foot?
“I’m right footed, but when I was 12-13 years and played youth football, no one wanted to play with the left foot. I liked the left foot and I have worked hard to learn to pass and shoot.”
When will the first goal with Inter arrive?
“I hope it will be soon, I’m about to reach my perfect form and within a week or two I will be in top shape.”
Are you a candidate to be the team’s penalty taker?
“First, they have to give us a penalty (laughs, ed)… During my career I have shot a lot so there is no problem.”
You are aware that Mazzarri has always appreciated you and that he wanted to coach you even in Napoli?
“He told me that when the negotiations with Inter began. I was happy because he is a good coach.”
What about him has struck you the most?
“The way he prepares games. When we go out on the pitch on Sundays, we know exactly what we will do according to the opponents’ movements. Mazzarri leaves nothing to chance.”
Before you came to Inter, you were never close to any other team?
“I’ve heard some rumors, but my agent has never come to Italy to talk as happened in January.”
There were rumors of a move to AC Milan…
“Only rumors.”
Have you ever thought that you arrived to Inter too late? If you had arrived in Milan in 2010 your career would have taken a different turn…
“In 2010, I had a dozen agents, and each one gave me an offer. I signed a pre-contract with Inter, but then the deal was never completed and I went to Lazio.”
What can Inter give you that Lazio couldn’t?
“Here I can fight for the Scudetto. In Italy it’s different than in Brazil, where even a newcomer can fight to win the league: here only Inter, Juventus and AC Milan can aim for the title. For others it almost not allowed to dream and this annoyed me when I was in Lazio. At Inter there are no chains or brakes.”
How strong is the bond you have left to Lazio?
“Very strong, if they are not playing against us I’m cheering for Lazio. I saw them in the Europa League and I was very disappointed that they were eliminated.”
Have you looked at the video of your farewell Formello? The movie is a hit on YouTube…
“There was nothing calculated in those tears. I’m simply a person who gets attached to people because I believe that human relationships are important.”
What will you try to do in the game against Lazio in May?
“We’ll see… Sure, I will be glad to see many old teammates and friends again. In football things change so fast that I haven’t even had time to say goodbye to everyone at Formello.”
Have you already started preparing shirts to give away?
“There are many who want them (smiles).”
With which of your former teammates have you been in contact?
“Mostly Dias, Ledesma and Ederson.”
When you’ve talked to them, what picture do you get of the crack between the fans and Lotito?
“It’s a tough situation for the team and I expect that it will be resolved shortly. Lazio is a big club in Italy and the world, and I want his people to be happy.”
What kind of president was Lotito for you?
“I had a great relationship with Lotito and he has always kept what he promised me. He has been correct and I thank him for all he has done for me.”
Was it Lotito that made you say that you wanted to leave Lazio?
“Absolutely not. People think that it was the president who wanted to sell me, but it wasn’t true and I have freely decided to make some of the statements. Lotito gave me the opportunity to choose what I wanted to do with my future and I thank him for that.”
Which is the most unforgettable goal for Lazio?
“The one I scored in the derby against Roma, April 8.”
Your best memory?
“The victory in the Coppa Italia 2012/13.”
How was your relationship with Roma’s fans?
“Estimation. On the streets I was often asked for photographs and they gave me compliments, but then they admitted that they were Roma supporters. It was fun.”
What do you think about Totti?
“For him words aren’t enough. The numbers are there and what he has done in his career proves his value. Totti is one of the best players in the world of football.”
How important is religion to you?
“I don’t like the word ‘religion’ as many bad things have been done in the name of religion in the past. I prefer to use the word ‘faith’, or something that drives you to be secure even though you can’t see it, even though you can’t touch it. The Bible teaches to have faith without evidence.”
If you could choose three sentences in the Bible that controls your life, what would it be?
“Psalm 37:5, which reads Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.’ Isaiah 30:15, which reads ‘For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.’ But you were not willing.’And finally, the Gospel of Mark 11:23, which reads, ‘Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.’
Source: fcinternews.it
