Former Inter midfielder Gaby Mudingayi discussed Inter’s season so far, striker Romelu Lukaku, coach Antonio Conte and the recent incidents of racism in Italian football in an interview with Italian media outlet FcInterNews today.
First, the 38-year-old Belgian spoke about what’s he doing, following his decision to retire from professional football.
“I’m working for Star Factory, an agency of attorneys in Belgium, for which I work with 16 and 17-year-old boys. I’m working hard to take care of them in Italy too. The role of entrepreneur with the Mignon Couture brand is also going well, I’m satisfied.”
Mudingayi then touched on his first memories as an Inter player.
“When I came to the Pinetina and met all the Treble champions and then when I entered the pitch on the San Siro. Playing in front of a passionate crowd, and wearing a shirt, like Inter’s, is a source of pride. And then when the Meazza is your home, it gives you the shivers. It’s a great emotion.”
He spoke about how he sees Inter this season.
“Good, although so far they’ve been short of men and they’ve often played the same set of players.”
The former Nerazzurri midfielder thought that Inter look to win the league title this season.
“At this point, that must be the goal. To fight with the Bianconeri for the league title. The Nerazzurri have all the players to do it. Now comes the January transfer window, an opportunity to acquire the right players and make a further jump.”
He then gave his thoughts about Inter’s coach, Antonio Conte.
“He’s a winner, he’s experienced, and he’s always done well wherever he’s worked. To this day, his work is very good. Inter deserve to fight for the Scudetto. We’re talking about a top club in the world. A team that have to think they can go all the way in any competition, including the Europa League.”
Mudingayi wasn’t sure if Lazio could join the race for the league title this season.
“The Biancocelesti are having an exceptional league campaign. They’ve become aware of their means. I don’t know if they can fight for the Scudetto, but surely this year they have everything they need to achieve the ticket to the Champions League.”
The Belgian touched on the incidents of racism in Italian football this season.
“I think some people shouldn’t be allowed to enter the stadium. I would never dare to say that Italy is a racist country, this no. But certainly, unfortunately there are some ignorant people who have fun being idiots. They should be isolated and punished. Football is a beautiful game, followed by families and children. We must set an example and hunt down the culprits.”
Finally, Mudingayi spoke about whether or not he’d been racially abused in his career.
“Unfortunately, yes, I have. But now, fortunately, there are all the means to find the culprits. Just use cameras and you can track down the perpetrators and punish them, like what happens in England.”