In an interview with Milan based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, which appeared in today’s print edition, Christian Eriksen has revealed when he started to see himself as an Inter player during the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old Danish international attacking midfielder joined the club in a circa €20 million deal from Tottenham Hotspur on a four and a half year deal in the final few days of the transfer window.
“Sooner or later in life you have to make a decision and think about the different options. In the end there was nothing concrete from Real Madrid but Inter had a true interest and moved very seriously for me,” he began.
“It was at that point that I seen myself playing here. They came to me and the decision was almost natural. A footballer’s career doesn’t last long enough to not try different things.”
Next Eriksen spoke on how Inter manager Antonio Conte was with him upon his arrival and how he has found Conte and his coaching staff’s training methods.
“Conte was immediately very direct with me, he told me how he sees me and what he wants from me on the pitch, with the ball and without it. It’s all much more organised. And yes, his training is tough, but I am ready.”
Next he discussed being used to being relied upon and what he wants to do whilst at Inter, which he is well aware will not happen instantly.
“In recent years at Tottenham and even with Denmark I have always been the player called upon to put the biggest responsibilities on my shoulders. I am used to it and here at Inter nothing changes for me.
“I want to be the player who makes the difference, who scores, who creates. It will take time, that’s obvious, but in football you can’t wait too long to become decisive.”
Next he shared his belief that the level of Serie A is back to how many remember it from the halcyon days of the 1990s where some of the best players in the world plied their trade on the Italian peninsula.
“Serie A is back to how it was years ago. In England today there are the strongest players and there they play different football than any other league. I think it is natural that Italian clubs are looking to that league to strengthen themselves.
He then briefly spoke on this weekend’s Derby della Madonnina with AC Milan.
“There will be a lot of noise, it will be beautiful. And I’m not afraid of anyone.”
Next he discussed comparisons being made between himself and legendary Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder.
“If I also win the Triplete maybe [then we can be compared]. Sneijder has done huge things, he’s a great player. But I’m Eriksen.”
In conclusion he discussed the race for the Serie A title.
“It’s just a matter of points, we’re up there. Juventus have won for a long time and we want to change things. I’m here for this reason. Lazio are also up there with us too.”
