Samir Handanovic is buzzing to get started with Inter as they prepare to face Lecce at San Siro tonight.
Antonio Conte’s side are the last of the big clubs to begin their new Serie A campaign, with Juventus and Napoli having already recorded wins on Saturday.
Handanovic spoke to Inter’s match-day programme about the season ahead and explained the differences between playing in goal and elsewhere.
“I’m starting the season with huge enthusiasm, I can’t wait for the league campaign to start,” he said.
“I think it will be a more closely fought season than in previous years and I’m happy with how we’ve worked during these weeks in preseason.
“If you play in goal you have to be naturally courageous, there are moments during games where you have to take risks.
“Sometimes you’re alone there, there’s nobody behind you who can correct things if they go wrong. You have great responsibility as a goalkeeper and you need lots of passion to play there.
“The one thing I envy from players playing in other positions is the feeling of celebrating after scoring a goal.”
Handanovic thanked the Inter fans for their support in recent years and backed them to spur the team on once again.
“I can always hear the crowd at San Siro, right from the warm-up to the start of the match,” he added.
“San Siro pushes you forward and you can sense that, the volume goes right up. It’s beautiful as a player to hear your fans cheering for you so loudly.”
The Slovenian also recalled the final match of last season against Empoli, where he made a string of decisive saves to help Inter secure Champions League qualification.
“I’m not someone who lives off memories but certain matches and certain saves remain with you,” Handanovic admitted.
“It was a key match for the Champions League, San Siro spurred us on and created a special atmosphere.
“A similar game in terms of the emotions it created was the second derby fixture against Milan in March. Winning that match gave us a real boost to continue the season in the right manner.”