Former Atalanta and Cagliari defender José Oscar Herrera, who is also the father-in-law of Inter defender Diego Godin, discussed the future of the player and his time in Italy in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
First, he discussed a conversation he had with Godin recently about his first season in Serie A.
“We’re all here in the house together. In Uruguay we’re in lockdown but it’s not compulsory. With Diego we talked about how Serie A has changed and he told me that he didn’t play all the minutes and have the performances that he expected. Anyway, I think that after the years in Madrid and the national team he has amply demonstrated who he is.”
Herrera then revealed some advice he gave to the 34-year-old Uruguayan defender.
“But I told him not to listen to the voices and to grit his teeth. Being a defender in Italy is complicated for everyone, even if you’re an expert you can’t think you don’t have at least a minimum of ambition. I believe that if he finds confidence, he’s still one of the best central players in the league.”
The 54-year-old confirmed that he told Godin to stay with Inter and not look for a move away.
“I told him to stay, absolutely. For me, if he stays, he can be a key element in the fight for the title and it will make everyone believe in him again.”
Finally, Herrera spoke about Godin’s thoughts and feelings about Milan.
“He is very happy with the choice he made despite some initial difficulties. He told me that he loves the city and then he likes that in football in Italy there is an even stronger passion than in Spain, it’s very similar to what you feel when you play in Uruguay. Logically this also turns into more pressure.”
Godin has made 25 appearances across all competitions so far this season, for a total of 1901 minutes. In that time, he has provided one assist and helped the side keep seven clean sheets. Rumours suggest that the Nerazzurri will look to sell the former Atletico defender in the summer in order to sign a younger replacement.