In an interview conducted while on international duty, Italy international and current Roma star Leonardo Spinazzola revealed that when he was growing up he wanted to play like Nerazzurri legend Ronaldo.

In the entertaining interview, shared on the Twitter account for the Italian national team, the Azzurri star revealed his love for the legendary Inter striker.

“I started watching videos of Ronaldo ‘Il Femomeno’ so I supported Inter,” he revealed.

“I’ve always admired players who play with imagination,” the player continued.

Spinazzola also revealed that he later became a fan of AC Milan great Rui Costa, at which point he shifted his allegiance to Inter’s city rivals.

Spinazzola’s experiences will be shared by many Italians around his age, who will remember the Brazillian’s thrilling exploits when he was an Inter player.

Spinazzola’s admiration for Ronaldo’s flair pinpoints the root of Inter’s popularity in many fans’ eyes, as he remains an iconic player who attracts fans to the club.

In the very recent past Spinazzola was even close to joining Inter, as he was offered to the Nerazzurri as part of a deal that would take then-Inter player Matteo Politano the other way to Roma, but Politano joined Napoli instead.