Alessandro Bastoni today revealed his immense pride at being recalled by Inter to play with the Nerazzurri’s first team this season.
Antonio Conte has included the centre-back in his squad for Inter’s preseason tour in Asia, and it seems almost certain he will remain for the entire campaign.
Bastoni began training with his new teammates in Singapore on Wednesday after representing Italy at last month’s under-21 Euros.
“It’s an honour for me to represent these colours,” Bastoni told Inter TV.
“I’ve spent the last two years hoping to get here and at last I’ve been given the opportunity.”
The 20-year-old discussed his first impressions of working with Antonio Conte, before praising Inter for their new policy of signing young Italian players.
“Conte immediate made me realise what club I’d joined,” Bastoni continued.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to work with great players and a top level coaching staff. I’ll try and learn as much as possible.
“I’ve only been here two days but I’ve already had the chance to admire this group both on the pitch and off it. They’ve welcomed me right from the word go.
“It’s a great sign both for Inter and Italian football that they’re putting their faith in young players.”
Bastoni also had words of gratitude for Atalanta and Parma, the two clubs who helped him secure his spot in Conte’s squad for this season.
“Atalanta developed me both as a player and as a person, while Parma gave me my big break in first-team football,” the defender added.
“I was happy with how I played for Parma last season and I have to thank Roberto D’Aversa for giving me the opportunity.”