In an interview with Danish broadcaster TV2, Inter attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen has spoken on the free kick he very nearly scored during last night’s 4-2 Derby della Madonnina win over AC Milan.
The Danish international, who joined the club for circa €20 million from Tottenham Hotspur during the recent January transfer window, hit the wood work with a free kick from about 35 yards out that took everyone by surprise soon after coming on as a substitute.
He revealed that he was encouraged to have a go by Marcelo Brozovic, who was standing in as Inter captain in the absence of Samir Handanovic.
“At the start, I had thought of doing one of the free kick routines we had studied, putting it into the crowd. But then I saw Milan were defending very deep and we wouldn’t have much of a chance,” the 27-year-old explained.
“I looked at Marcelo Brozovic, who told me to go for it, so I did. I really hit it well, but not well enough, seeing as it didn’t go in. Considering the way the game ended, that crossbar is not a nightmare moment, but a satisfying one.
“If it had gone in, that would’ve been sheer ecstasy, the cherry on top of a super cake.”
Eriksen, who joined Inter on a four and a half year contract, then went on to speak about the Inter fans and how things differ from what he had gotten used to when playing in England.
“The fans had prepared this huge choreography that took up the entire end of the stadium. You don’t get that atmosphere in the Premier League, partly because they’re not allowed to.
“Here, you really feel the fans pushing you on from the moment you arrive in the team bus. They are slapping their hands on the side of the vehicle, you feel their passion and understand how important this match is.”
Since his arrival at the club, Eriksen has made three appearances across all competitions but is yet to make any goal contributions.
