Former Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin spoke exclusively to Italian media outlet FcInterNews today, discussing his experiences at Inter, his move to China and former Inter coach Roberto Mancini.
He touched on his most important memories with the Nerazzurri.
“The most important are two different memories. The first when I made my debut against Genoa and when in the Europa League, I scored my first goal with the Nerazzurri shirt.”
Guarin revealed his favourite goal in his career.
“No doubt, the goal scored in 2015 in the last Derby against Milan is the one I remember with the greatest affection, the last one with the Inter jersey.”
The 33-year-old Colombian discussed his various Inter managers.
“Stramaccioni was my first coach at Inter, a coach with a great desire to triumph, a new job, a united group. Then Mazzarri arrived. His strong character and the intensity of his work immediately comes to mind.”
“We had a lot of arguments, or rather, discussed several things. We are talking about a coach with a hard character, a great coach.
Finally, there was Mancini, I want to thank him for the way he treated me on and off the pitch. In fact, he was a friend, with great experience as a coach. Yes, the right term is friend, I remember it that way, and I have to say that through his teachings I have learned a lot.”
He spoke about the fans’ affection of him and his transfer to China.
“Since I left for China, I’ve always dreamed of going back to Inter. I always thought about it. When my cycle in the Asian country ended, I tried to return, to find contacts for my return.”
“I waited for an invitation, a call, something that would allow me to dress in black and blue again. I wanted to close the cycle. But none of this ever came about. I have to say that Inter was my dream.”
“And today we are talking about a dream that came true, a club that gave me a lot and meant a lot to me. I thank you for all that Inter has meant to my career.
“The affection of the Nerazzurri fans will remain with me for the rest of my life, as well as the connection to them.”
Guarin touched on the strongest player he played with at Inter.
“When I arrived, there were several important players. Lucio, Sneijder, Stankovic, Maicon, Cambiasso. But what I want to mention is Javier Zanetti, for what he meant in Inter. Often during the training camps we were in the same room together.”
“He’s a legend not only for Inter, but for football as a whole. For the whole world, for my career, for my life, for all those who played with him.”
The Vasco da Gama midfielder reflected on his performances with Inter.
“I had a particularly difficult time with the Nerazzurri. In 2010 the Nerazzurri won the Treble. Then when I arrived, there was a change among the players, the directors, but also the club president. All this probably affects the results of a team.”
“Then it is obvious that Inter are a team used to winning titles, but unfortunately, I have not had this opportunity to triumph with the Nerazzurri. Having said that, what I have experienced with Inter has been very important for my career.”
Finally, Guarin discussed the future of Inter under coach Antonio Conte.
“Without a doubt. After the changes of these years, thanks to which they have reconstructed everything, from the lowest point to the highest, now there is a coach who is competitive, in the positive sense of the word, and in addition to the champion coach, several top players have arrived.”
“This is the time for Inter to start winning again. It won’t be easy, but I think they’ve created a team that can win the championship.”
