Felipe Melo has been speaking to the press at his first press conference as an Inter player.

Here is what the Brazilian midfielder had to say at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti:

“I was close to joining Inter in the past when I was playing for Fiorentina. I never had any fear about the move breaking down in the transfer window because no one can close the doors that God opens for you. I was relaxed, waiting to grasp this opportunity. What matters is that I’m here now.”

“As for my character, I see myself as a leader on and off the pitch. I don’t take offence when people dub me a ‘dirty’ player. Being aggressive and putting my foot in are a feature of my play, but I would like to point out that I didn’t receive a single red card last season. I know where my strengths lie and I know what I have to do on the pitch.”

“I’m still a little behind in terms of fitness but I think I’ll be available for next Sunday. Either way, we have tonight’s match against Lecco before the derby. Even though it’s a friendly, I’m keen to play well and I’ll take things one game at a time.”

“I chose 83 because it’s the year I was born, plus eight represents infinity and three stands for the Holy Trinity. I’m not fussed about where I play, I just want to perform.”

Finally, a word or two on his team mates:

“Alex Telles has a wand of a left foot. He’s young, hungry for success and has a big future in the game. Kondogbia is only 22 but he’s already a big player. I believe we can achieve great things together.”

 

Source: inter.it