In an interview with Tuttosport, Inter defender Antonio Candreva has thanked medical professionals for all the hard work they are doing during the ongoing global Coronavirus pandemic.
“I say thank you for the immense courage you show every day, for your dedication, for your sacrifices: we are with you in this difficult moment and we are proud of you. We will definitely do it. We will come out stronger than before,” he began the interview which appeared in today’s print edition of the newspaper.
“After all this is over, I hope that each of us can appreciate the value of the simple things and I also hope that this moment will teach us to be even more careful and respectful in terms of hygiene.”
Next he went on to discuss how he felt upon learning that Daniele Rugani has tested positive for the virus just days on from Inter facing Rugani’s Juventus and how he has dealt with having to stay at home.
“I was very sorry for him and at the same time I worried about us, even though personally I hadn’t met him on the pitch or in the locker rooms.
“My biggest concern was infecting my family. I would have felt terribly guilty. The first few days we were all a little worried, always positive mentally but worried.”
He then spoke on what it has been like not being able to see his family in Rome for some time.
“This is the thing that makes me suffer the most. I have not been able to visit my father, who has been sick for about a year, it is really bad. My constant thoughts go out to him. He has to go to the hospital often and therefore runs more risks.”
Candreva proceeded to discuss his family life at home and if he has put on weight due to being stuck at home.
“Living with my son 24 hours a day is an immense joy. Between changing diapers, bathing him and feeding him and baby food, I now recover all the time that I normally “lose” with him when I am at work.
“My weight is always constant. I am not someone who gains weight and I have never had problems with the scale fortunately.
“My partner Allegra is really tough. She is my personal trainer and we have fun training together. She has a lot of enthusiasm. We struggle and smile making videos of the exercises that end with a kiss.”
He then spoke on the impact Conte has had on Inter as a whole since taking charge of the club this past Summer.
“Conte is extraordinary, he is someone who never gives up. Even from the “good morning” message you feel his energy. He spurs you on to give your best in every session, always. He is a true perfectionist.”
Candreva then spoke on the possibility of resuming the season in June or July, playing behind closed doors and who he thinks will win the Serie A title.
“It would certainly be a new experience. Maybe not optimal given the heat and such a long stop, but we’ll see. Obviously I will respect what they decide.
“If the fans had been present [at Juventus vs Inter], the whole atmosphere would have changed and there would have been more adrenaline.
“Who will win the title? There are still a lot of games to play but now it doesn’t seem fair to talk about the Scudetto. At this moment the real Scudetto, for everyone, would be winning against this virus.”
In conclusion he praised teammate Romelu Lukaku and shared the team’s goal for when football returns.
“I’m not surprised he has had the season he has had because he was known to be a top striker. I hope he scores many more goals.
“Our goal as a team is to win all matches because we are Inter and we will return stronger than before.”
