Borja Valero today was officially unveiled as an Inter player. Here is what he had to say during the press conference:
How important was the fact that Inter wanted you so much? How much is your experience in Italy?
“It was important. After the recent changes at Fiorentina, I was desperate for something new. Inter has done everything to bring me here and I want to return the favour.”
What convinced you to accept this challenge and leave Florence?
“I would like to be honest, I would never leave Fiorentina, but after those problems the situation was unbearable. Inter is a new adventure I wanted to do, I’m here to do the best.”
Spalletti admires you very much on and off of the field. What’s your view on this?
“It is important that he admires me, it has proved to be very good. I would like to do my best on and off the field, I have so much experience abroad and I think I can be of help for young people too.”
A few days ago you said you would have explained everything, what do you mean?
“My problems with Fiorentina are related to the new leadership. Things weren’t same after that. I couldn’t move on like that.”
What is happening in Fiorentina?
“I do not know, I can only talk about my personal situation. Fiorentina will always be Fiorentina for me.”
Keeping in mind your playing style, would you change something?
“I think it’s tough to explain I like playing football and want to keep doing it for as long as possible. I can play anywhere in Midfield but I like to go forward if given a chance.”
Will Fiorentina welcome you?
“I’ll be looking forward to it and I am hoping for the very best. I think I have given everything I have had in these five years, but I will respect the opinions of everyone as I have always done.”
What do you want to say about Astori?
“He should talk about things he knows, I do not think he knows anything in this case. But in my opinion, I could have stayed in Florence for two years but the situation was unsustainable, I lacked the sense of belonging.”
Would you call Nainggolan to tell him that Rome does not want him anymore?
“I’ll leave this job for the management (laughs, ndr)”.
If Nainggolan arrives, where would you play him?
“He is very strong, there are few like him in Serie A”.
You are considered a key player for your ability to make the team stir up. Your views on that?
“It should be asked to those who has trusted me in these years. I couldn’t run, I wasn’t physically strong but they’ve shown their trust”
When it comes to National Team, did your chances fall short because of the excellence of Spain’s footballers in this era?
“Yes, but I enjoyed it very much. I won the World Cup with Spain and I am pretty much delighted for that.”
What are your expectation here?
“I do not want to put goals, we are just beginning, we have to see how we get together and what to do in the future.”
Have you spoken to Pioli? Why didn’t you join ASRoma?
“I had talked to Pioli but not about Inter. I don’t know frankly if Roma were Interested. I was happy in Fiorentina at that time.”
Do you think Spain is already competitive?
“I think it is. We have very strong players. It is the time to work together and stay up there”
Do you think your pair with Gagliardini will work well?
“It is very early to tell anything. I will work hard for the team but we will have to wait to find the answers.”
Have you told Perisic to stay? What is your experience in playing with him?
“No we didn’t talk anything regarding this. I’ve played against him for once in Champions League and we have talked about that quite a few times.”