Borussia Moenchengladbach winger Valentino Lazaro has spoken of his pride at being contracted to Inter, having spent the season on loan in the Bundesliga.
The Austria international joined Inter from Hertha Berlin in 2019 but was sent back to Germany with Gladbach this season, although he has two further years on his deal in Milan.
In an interview published in today’s newspaper edition of Austrian outlet Kronen Zeitung, Lazaro felt that his background growing up in Graz made it a source of pride to be on the books of Serie A champions Inter.
“With my future, unfortunately COVID-19 has delayed everything a bit. But I see myself on the right path,” the 25-year-old claimed.
“I still have a long-term contract with the current Italian champions. That is something special for a kid from Graz who just wanted to play football, you shouldn’t forget it.”
Lazaro was born in Graz to an Austrian-Greek mother and an Angolan father but insisted that he was proud to play for his homeland, and felt that his experiences abroad had given him different perspectives.
“Different cultures are always something beautiful, it’s fun to know the side of your parents. But playing for another country was never an option for me, I am Austrian through and through.
“However, I have known many cultures in different countries and have seen many things from a different perspective.”
The former Newcastle United loanee also revealed his ambitions to represent his country at the European Championships this summer, having seen little action in 2016.
“In 2016 I was only the a substitute, that’s why I can’t wait for this tournament to arrive. Football is played for events like this,” he added.
