Roberto Gagliardini was unveiled by Inter as the club’s latest signing by Inter’s Chief Communications Officer Robert Faulkner, CEO Steven Zhang, coach Stefano Pioli and Vice President Javier Zanetti who presented the player with the number 5 Jersey.
Afterwards he joined Roberto Monzani and Roberto Scarpini of Inter Channel to answer questions from the hosts as well as Inter fans who sent their questions via Inter’s different social media channels.
“It’s been an important day for my career. I want to give everything for this shirt” Gagliardini stated before settling down to answer questions sent in from all over the world.
Which players inspire you?
“When I was a kid I liked Zidane although I don’t have his playing traits or having seen him play live. Looking at today’s players I think Pogba is the best player in the world in his role.”
Who do you think, is Inter’s best player?
“I think there are many great players in the squad, I’m only trained once with the team but already you see that there’s a lot of quality. They can write the history of this sport.”
What do you do on your spare time?
“I like playing Playstation but given that I live with my girlfriend we have to do something we both enjoy. Sometimes I go for walks. I never choose myself when I play videogames.”
Why did you choose Inter?
“Because aside form having a fantastic history, it’s the club that wanted me the most.”
Are you ready to make your debut at the San Siro?
“yes, but I’m not scared of playing there, I’ve been brought here to give my contribution. The first time I played there was fantastic, I remember that when I entered the pitch we remembered the great historical moments that had taken place at the San Siro, goals we’ve watched since we were children.”
What does it mean to play at Inter?
“It’s a dream come true and an important opportinuty. After these months at Atalanta, it’s important to confirm oneself here at Inter.”
Did you know about the nickname that Scarpini has for you [The lion]?
“I hope to demonstrate to deserve it on the pitch.”
What is your favorite role on the pitch?
“I prefer to play as a centre-wide midfielder even if Gasperini played me in the centre and I enjoyed playing there. Also, playing in a 3-man midfield really suits me.”
Dejan Stankovic phoned in to the show, who wore Inter’s no 5 Jersey and commented on Gagliardini wearng that number: “It’s a great honor for me, I give Gagliardini all my best wishes from the Nerazzurri family. I wish that you will wear this shirt with great honor, Inter is a big club with great fans and a history to respect. But I can assure you that you will like it here.”
What about Suning’s project struck you the most?
“That they’re ambitious. The President wants to bring back the club to the level of past times, I feel pride that they have chosen me to achieve this.”
Descrivi l’Inter con tre aggettivi:
“Prestigiosa, inimitabile, ambiziosa”.
Describe Inter with three adjectives?
“Prestigious, inimtable and ambitious.”
What impression did you get when you played against Inter?
“I only played for 15 minutes, we won in the end thanks to a penalty. It’s a great memory, because it was an important win. But playing Inter is always difficult because of the many great players they have who put you in difficult situations.”
Is there a former Inter-player who you will like to model yourself after?
“I will say Zanetti, an example as a captain. He took Inter’s shirt to high levels for 20 years, I think that he is the symbol of Inter. Me as an Inter captain? It would be a dream. I’ve worn the captains armband at Atalanta’s Primavera team at times.”
What did you and Mattia Caldara say during your goodbye’s?
“On the pitch you don’t look in anybody’s face, outside we’re good friends. We’ve been doing this jov for 15 years.”
How do you explain your sudden explosion this season?
“I think that I have grown thanks to the help of Gasperini, who made me understand how to use my qualities to help the team. Then I’ve grown mentally in how I approach matches and training, so that’s why I am here now.”
Do the comparisons with Pogba put pressure on you?
“No because apart from the fact that these are journalistic headlines, I know where I have to go and how to get there.”
What are your objectives for the season?
“To do the best I can for Inter, finishing in the top 3 which is fundamental. We’re going through a great period and it’s important to maintain the continuity”
Is there anyone who has impressed you the most?
“I’m just getting to know everyone, I arrived yesterday and so time is needed. Some I’ve gotten to know with the national team, others because they were opponents, but going forward with time I will go deeper.”
What does it mean to transfer to a club that’s becoming more Italian like Inter? How is the study of languages going?
“I don’t have a Bergamo-accent as my parents are from Sicily and other parts of Italy. It’s a situation that could be stimulating to take on new languages.”
Do you know any other of your teammates?
“Candreva and Eder.”
Who was the first player that you met in the dressing room?
“Ranocchia maybe.”
How was your first tarining session under Pioli?
“Today I had the first training session together with the group, it was very positive ahead of saturday’s match.”
Were you stunned at how much Suning wanted to sign you right away?
“A little bit, not due to Suning’s wishes but because I was convinced I would stay at Atalanta. Then Inter’s offer arrived to which I didn’t say no and I took it on the fly, it’s a source of pride for me.”
What did you ask Pioli?
“He gave me tasks to do in the middle of the pitch and gave me advice.”
Is Inter a starting point or a point of arrival?
“It’s a starting point, because especially in our line of work you don’t need to think you’re reached a point of arrival. This is the first time I’ve signed for an important club and I want to give my all to confirm my place.”
Who will you score your first goal against? And how?
“If I can choose I’ll say the derby. Maybe scoring the winning goal when it’s 0-0 in the 90th minute.”
Would you like to play with Verratti?
“I got to learn to know him in the national team, he is surely a great player who is demonstrating his worth. He went from Pescara to PSG, it would be fantastic to play with him.”
Do you prefer to defend or to attack?
“I’ve changed this year, earlier I was looking to be for attacking minded, whilst this year I’ve learned the importance of defending, keeping position, stealing the ball from the opposition. I think it’s fundamental. I think that I also have the ability to know where the ball will arrive.”
What are the differences between what Pioli wants and what you want?
“I have to say that I’ve only had 1 training session with Pioli and that we have similar requests: being on the opponent, returning, doubling down on the opponents. This helps me to insert myself into Pioli’s tactical scheme.”
Will you be able to play against Chievo?
“If he asks this of me then yes so it’s the coach’s decision.”
What did you say to Zanetti?
“He told me the same things that Stankovic told me, you can feel that the loved this shirt and that they gave everything for Inter.”
How does it feel to have Walter Samuel as a teacher?
“He and I are similar as we both like to give out hits. Having my picture taken with him was an honor for everything he has done for Inter and football.”
Do you feel the rivalry with Juventus?
“A fair bit yeah, for having beaten them in the Serie A and also because they have been winning for years, it’s time for a change.”
Have you called Kessie?
“I have a great relationship with Franck and my former team-mates, this year he has done something incredible. He said goodbye to me and wished me the best, he has a bright future.”
Do you think you can play together with Kondogbia?
“I think so, sure we are bith midfielders with similar traits but also different ones where we complement each other. We could be a good duo.”
Do you think the overall value of your transfer could weigh you down?
“More than weighing me down it’s a motivation to do even more. It was an important investment and it bring me to want to give more.”
Which of one of Conti and Kessi do you reccomend?
“I’d take them both. Now Andrea will be alone in the room…”
What’s your best quality?
“I think my sense of positioning, I manage to cover most of the pitch by selecting by position well knowing where the ball will go. I make sure I’m prepared to take part in both attacking and defending.”
Did you really start your career as a striker?
“When I was 5 years old I played there and continued in that position until I was 7, then after a few years I resigned myself to playing further back.”
What do you think about Icardi?
“I think he is a champion. He is 1 year older than me and has achieved what he has achieved, and this bestows an honor to him. He was the Serie A top goalscorer 2 years ago, for me he is the pivot of this team.”
What do you expect from an all Inter San Siro?
“The first time I went on the pitch with the national it was a great feeling, then I remember the tifo’s in the derby. When the moment arrives it will be indescribable.”
Do you take part in Fantasy Football?
“No, and I never have.”
How is your weaker foot?
“For walking. But I manage, it’s not as good as my stronger foot but if I need to pass or shoot I use it.”
Which of Inter’s trophy is the most beuatiful?
“The Champions, which is the trophy that I hope to win so I can also be able to say that I’m part of the best team.”
What to you think of the tendency to let youngsters through?
“I’m happy, but I think this is a tendencu that is applied to those who deserve it. There are also great foreigners, it’s right that the one who deserves it gets to where he needs to be.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
“I hope to remain in a big club, being there at 32 years age means that I’ve given continuity in return. Then also all that it implies with winning titles and playing in the national team.”
Do you follow any other sports?
“I really like basketball and I support Cleveland in the NBA. I watch the matches via their app at night.”
Do you think that you could take on the role of playmaker?
“I think so yes, it is part of the qualities I bring to a team. I know how to alternate between defending and attacking, also retaining possession is a trait I possess.”
From Vicenza to Inter, what does it show?
“It demonstrates the growth I’ve underwent this season, last season I was worried about avoiding relegation and now I’m concerned with qualifying for the Champions League. It’s a big step to take. I like working, I work often both before and after training sessions. I’ve arrived here thanks to hard work.”
Do you promise to try to score against Juventus?
“I will try.”
What are your memories of Spezia?
“It was maybe the most difficult experience, I arrived at the end of the transfer window in a league that had already begun. I had some problems then I had some groin pains which forced me off the pitch for many months. It was difficult for me and those cose to me.”
If you score against Atalanta in the 90th minute, will you be said or be happy?
“Joy I think even if I left them 2 days ago and I owe them everything. I will always support them, then we’re professionals; if I score I wont celebrate but I will be happy.”
Do you have any pre-match rituals?
“No, maybe just listening to music.”
Do you think you can improve in the penalty area?
“It’s difficult to become worse given that I am yet to score. I know that it’s important, I will work on it.”
What’s your favorite food?
“My mother’s cooking, she’s Sicilian and I give her cooking a 10. She cooks great lasagna, then I like to eat everything.”
What do you prefer: scoring a goal or making an assist?
“Making an assist is beautiful because it makes you important, this year I’ve made a few and it was a beautiful feeling.”
Have you thought about your first goal and how you will celebrate it?
“It will come instinctively.”
Do you rate Andrea Pinamonti?
“He’s surely a promising player.”
Which midfielder do you rate the highest in the Serie A?
“I will say Pjanic, he has incredible quality and has everything to do well at a top club. But it has nothing to do with me.”
Do you use social media?
“I’m dont choke myself but I like to post and comment every now and again. Sharing my feelings.”
My brother?
“We played together as kids at Atalanta, now he’s playing in the Eccellenza [5th tier of Italian football]. This is a line of work that requires a lot of sacrifice, but it’s a choice you have to make.”
In conclusion Gagliardini sent a message to all the Inter fans: “I wait to see you all at the San Siro, I hope to be able to give you a lot of satisfaction.”
