Inter’s Portuguese international full-back Cedric Soares spoke exclusively with Football Italia on a wide variety of subjects, including his friendship with Joao Mario and how the move to Inter came about.
“Everything was actually really quick. There were a few possibilities for me to move in January and Inter was literally showing interest on signing me. I know that they were following my steps for long time so also for me was an easy decision because Inter is an incredible club.”
“I remember that Inter was one of my favourite teams outside of Portugal. It was one of those dream teams that every kid thinks about. So I remember definitely Ronaldo, Javier Zanetti etc.”
Soares the focused on the difference between the stadiums in the Premier League and the Serie A and specifically the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
“It’s very different of course. Every stadium has like a different vibe and a different atmosphere. The fans make San Siro feel really special with all the intense support and passion. It is a huge stadium what deserves a lot of respect, but in same time you need to be able to enjoy it. Because if you enjoy playing in San Siro, it becomes even greater.”
His friendship with Joao Mario is widely known but Soares was quick to underline how warmly he has been greeted by the entire club.
“Everyone has been very kind to me . Of course is still the beginning, but they welcome me in a very nice way, basically they make me feel part of the team that becomes like a second family. Joao is definitely an incredible player and a fantastic human being. I know him for a very long time and is great to be playing next to him again.”
“To be fair every player has a lot of quality. The training becomes much more technical as well. Didn’t want to say only one player because I think we have a great team and we are strong in every position.”
“Italian football is more tactical and maybe more smart. It means sometimes less velocity going forward and backwards regarding both teams but much more organisation inside the pitch.”
“Is always difficult to analyse myself but I think I’m quite intense and quite like to go up and down. Defend well and support the attack very often. Defensive I try to be aggressive and smart and offensive always look for a good cross or for a dynamic game.”
In conclusion Cedric Soares underlined that Inter should be playing in the Champions League every year and that this should be a minimum goal for the club.
“To be fair I think it should always be a goal of the club in every season. Also a goal in every player’s head. After all we are talking about Inter which is a very big club and always should fight for the biggest goals.”