In an interview with Italian news outlet FCInterNews.it, former Inter goalkeeper Tommaso Berni has reminsiced about his spells with the club among various other topics.
The veteran shot-stopper, who left the club at the end of last season when his contract expired, started by recalling his arrival in Inter’s academy.
“I still don’t believe it. In 1997/98 I was training with the youth team in Appiano,” he began.
“When we finished the session, even if the temperature was below zero, and I risked getting sick every time, I hid behind the advertising billboards and admired Ronaldo, Baggio and Vieri.
“Inter was unattainable for me. These six years remain a beautiful dream and it is an honour to have been part of Inter.”
He then spoke on his return to Inter in the Summer of 2014: “I arrived when there was the change in ownership, there was a bit of confusion. In order to win, everything must work from the top down and that is the case today. Inter are a solid club, they will surely return to winning soon.”
Berni never made a first team appearance for Inter upon his return in 2014 but still managed to get two red cards and he proceeded to speak on how they occurred.
“They were my fault. Sometimes this ultra spirit inherent within me came out. I was a bad example on those occasions, it’s too bad. In any case, I always gave my best for this shirt.
“In fact I was also a fan as well as being part of the team. I felt incredible love from all the supporters. They understood how much I cared. I was not able to express it on the pitch but I did it behind the scenes. Too bad we weren’t able to take home some trophies but I repeat, Inter will soon start winning a lot again.”
Berni then went on to reminisce about some of the important games that were played during his second spell at Inter.
“Lazio-Inter was a game of infinite emotions. Like Inter-Empoli the following year. If a director saw these two matches, he could make a successful TV series out of them.
“We had tears to joy and wonderful emotions, which tied the whole locker room together so much. For Inter it must be normal. We cannot fail to mention the derbies won either. It was shame about the defeat against Sevilla in the final.”
Berni, who has also spent time at the likes of Ternana and Lazio, then spoke on the relationship between Inter manager Antonio Conte and Christian Eriksen, a relationship which the media have described as a difficult one.
“Look, it’s normal for a player to always want to play to show what he’s worth. I also trained as if I had to take the field the following Sunday. Whilst the coaches make decisions according to what they believe to be the good of the team.
“For me they are two top professionals. It takes very little for there to be an agreement between Conte and Eriksen. All that is needed is a spark or a moment. Christian will do well. Let’s not forget that he is a foreigner who comes from a different sort of football. The qualities he has cannot fail to emerge, trust me.”
Berni proceeded to speak on the fact he never played and what it was like to be part of the goalkeeper ranks alongside Samir Handanovic.
“I would have gladly played only for a couple of minutes and I would have liked to play with the stadium full, if the stadium had been empty I would not have liked it. However, I knew what my role was. I have no regrets.
“It wouldn’t have made sense for me to line up in the last league games or in decisive matche and then there was Samir, a champion.
“I saved a lot of penalties like he does? I saved some in Serie B, don’t compare me to him, because Samir is a monster. I learned a lot from him.
“For me he remains one of the best goalkeepers. The role is a delicate one. He wins you 15-20 points. He is reliable and complete. He works every day to always improve. The Nerazzurri fans can rest easy for a long time.”
Berni then spoke on an up and coming goalkeeper in Inter’s ranks in Ionut Andrei Radu.
“He has a great goalkeeper in front of him in Handanovic. He will be able to learn a lot if he keeps his eyes open. Samir is an example of professionalism and Inter. He is a true Captain. He is not someone who speaks much but says it all with his behaviour.”
In conclusion Berni reflected on last season and discussed this season for Inter.
“The mentality of trying to win all the competitions is back.
“Is the fact Inter finished last season in August affecting current results? Of course, the previous one was an absurd, stressful season. We spent two months training at home.
“Can Inter win this year? Yes, the season is long. The last three months are the ones that matter most of all. Inter will soon be back to celebrating, it’s just a pity that I won’t be there as a player.”
