Inter full back Davide Santon was the latest player to feature on Inter TV show “Drive” and explained the origins of his nickname among other topics.
Santon first revealed his social media habits.
“I use social media, although sometimes I forget to post. I follow many of my former teammates, other teams and other sports than football.”
He proceeded to speak about the perception people have that footballers have an easy life.
“There is nothing in your life that comes for granted, so you have to earn it, and the only way to do that is through work and sacrifice. Many people think that we have an easy life which in a sense is true, but the hard part is what we have to do to get here. When you start you do not know if you are going to play in Serie A or not, you make many sacrifices, leave your home as a kid, lose your childhood friends all in order to reach your goal. In the end it also takes some luck.”
He then explained the rationale his squad number, number 17 and where his nickname, “the baby” came from.
“It has given me both some sorrow and some satisfaction, it is important for both good and bad, and in fact I have it tattooed on my arm.
“I was so young that Jose Mourinho treated me like a son. At a press conference, he called me ‘the baby’ and from there everything went off and everyone called me that.”
The 26-year-old spent four years with Newcastle in the Premier League between 2011-2015 and discussed the differences between Premier League and Serie A football.
“There is so much difference. The Premier League is a more physical based and less tactical league. There is a fantastic atmosphere with people at the stadium. I will remember my time in the Premier League forever. It was great to play there.”
Speaking on San Siro Santon declared that the stadium is “unique and is even more beautiful at night.”
Santon then discussed the team as a whole.
“We are good together, even off of the field, we are close.”
The left back concluded by recalling coming up against Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League.
“He has always been one of my idols. 6 months ago I only saw him on the Playstation, then I found him in front of myself.”