Aleksandar Kolarov admits he has his work cut out in training when facing Inter’s world class strikers.
Kolarov has endured a difficult first season with the Nerazzurri since his move from Roma, making just seven league appearances so far.
He remains grateful for his chance to play for the club, however, with Conte’s side sitting top of Serie A after matchday 23.
Ahead of Sunday’s match at home to Genoa, Kolarov told Inter’s official matchday programme: “I’ve been lucky enough to play against great forwards and it’s no different here at Inter.
“There are lots of great players and every training session is an important challenge.”
The 35-year-old is renowned for his ability to take free-kicks and was asked to explain how he enjoys such success.
“There is no real secret,” Kolarov admitted.
“But from a technical point of view, for me the run-up is crucial and the impact I make as soon as I arrive at the ball.”
Kolarov grew up idolising Slavic players in the 1990s and 2000s and spared a word for two of Inter’s former midfielders.
“As a younger boy I liked swapping shirts with the strongest Slavic players in circulation,” the former Manchester City defender revealed.
“Among those that I remember with the most affection, there is certainly that of Dejan Stankovic when he was playing at Inter.
“I have always admired Sinisa Mihajlovic as well.
“I followed Red Star Belgrade growing up and he was an idol of mine, over time I was then lucky enough to know and even have him as a coach.”
Kolarov, who is contracted to Inter until the end of this season, also spoke on another of his passions away from football, basketball.
“Basketball is a sport that I have followed since I was a child, when I have some free time I like to take some shots,” he added.
“Michael Jordan is a man I would like to know for what he has given to basketball and more.”
A report in Italy earlier this week claimed Inter were unlikely to extend Kolarov’s contract beyond the end of the current season, despite having an option to do so.
