Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic has revealed that he was inspired to take up the gloves by former Manchester United star Peter Schmeichel.
The Slovenia international has been an ever-present in Serie A this season as Inter close in on a first Scudetto in 11 years, and became the club’s second highest appearance maker for a goalkeeper last weekend.
In an interview with the Match Day Program ahead of Inter’s match against Hellas Verona tomorrow, as reported by FCInterNews.it, Handanovic admitted that he fell in love with goalkeeping as a child.
“When I was a child I used to play in all the different roles with my friends, then we would take it in turns to go in goal and I felt a madness that I wanted it,” the club captain revealed.
“I don’t usually listen to music before matches but I feel excited listening to the playlist that accompanies us as we come out for the warmup at the San Siro.
“The goalkeeper that inspired me was Peter Schmeichel. He was so advanced in the way that he understood the position at the time. Then, growing up, it was [Juventus’ Gianluigi] Buffon.”
Handanovic was asked to pick his dream Nerazzurri five-a-side team and opted for a group who famously won the treble in 2010, as well as Brazilian icon Ronaldo.
“Julio Cesar had impressive reactions in goal. Walter Samuel, ‘the Wall’ was full of grit and confidence, then Maicon had speed and power, he was extraordinary. Ronaldo, who was a unique champion, and Diego Milito. He was unique in the way he moved off the ball to create his goals,” the goalkeeper concluded.
Handanovic joined Inter from Udinese in 2012 and has gone on to make 384 appearances for the club, helping them to the Final of the Europa League last season.
