Legendary former Inter forward Sandro Mazzola has given his thoughts on the signing of Hakan Calhanoglu from the Nerazzurri’s city rivals AC Milan.
Speaking to Italian news outlet L’Interista, the 78-year-old praised the Nerazzurri for taking advantage of the situation with Calhanoglu’s contract at Milan and adding a quality player to the squad for next season.
Mazzola is excited to see Calhanoglu in a Nerazzurri shirt, and hopes that the Turk’s arrival will ignite the passion of Inter supporters.
The former Inter player also gave his thoughts on Inter’s players in Italy’s national team squad, praising their performances for the Nerazzurri and also making positive predictions about their futures.
Mazzola made 568 appearances and scored 161 goals for the Nerazzurri in all competitions between 1960 and 1977, winning four Scudetti and two European Cup trophies, in addition to winning the 1968 Euros and winning the World Cup in 1970 with Italy.
Mazzola said the following on Calhanoglu:
“I like him a lot, it was perfectly right to bring him to Inter. They did well to take advantage of the situation that had arisen. Obviously it will please the fans that he comes from Milan, and it is normal that we talk about this. For example, I am already waiting for a goal from him in the derby [he laughed].”
“Make a team that can continue to fight at the top of the table, but don’t let me say anymore or else I’ll have to run outside and knock on wood,” he joked.
“I’m just saying that I like Inzaghi, he knows how to put out a team that wins and wants to succeed. As for Conte? It is right that you leave if you no longer have the same spirit as on the first day.”
On the Italian national team he had this to say:
“Mancini is doing a great wood. The boys follow him through and through, which makes me think they can go all the way at the European Championship.”
On Inter’s players in the Azzurri squad: “I loved Barella, but also Bastoni against Wales. Nicolo has the spirit of Burgnich and Facchetti, he can become the captain of Inter and the national team in the future.”