Monza goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio insists that he is happy there, but has always felt the faith of parent club Inter since making a switch on loan.
The 24-year-old dropped down to the Serie B outfit in 2020 and remained there on an extended loan for this season, as Monza challenge for promotion to the top flight.
In an interview published in today’s newspaper edition of Tuttosport, Di Gregorio revealed that he was enjoying his time at the Stadio Brianteo amidst suggestions that he could join permanently if promotion is secured.
“I feel good at Monza. The group is incredible, willing to sacrifice to help each other. Reaching the top flight here would be a great and historic achievement,” he claimed.
“Let’s do that first, get to Serie A with Monza and then see what will happen with my transfer! It must be said that these are two very important clubs (Monza and Inter). It’s difficult to choose.”
Di Gregorio is yet to make a senior appearance for Inter but suggested a series of loan spells, at Renate, Novara, and Pordenone before Monza, had helped him to develop.
“Every year done away from Inter’s youth team has given me something, both on a technical and personal level. The path was the right one, starting at Renate, where I realised that professional football is different to the youth sector.”
Back at his parent club, captain and current goalkeeper Samir Handanovic is facing an uncertain future amidst reports of a move for Ajax’s Andre Onana, whilst back-up Andrei Radu remains in place.
“Radu and I have been team mates at Inter and we still have an excellent relationship. I have followed his growth both at Avellino and Genoa and he has shown that he has great qualities.
“But taking over from a champion like Handanovic will not be easy for anyone. Be it Radu, Onana, myself, or others. Because there is not only the technical part, but there is also a psychological side that is not easy at all. When you defend Inter’s goal you must be at the top in every match, since you always fight to win there.
“Radu can be great, but I think the club will take great care in choosing who will take Samir’s place.”
The goalkeeper insisted that he had always felt he had the backing of Inter and director Piero Ausilio, as well as Monza counterpart Adriano Galliani.
“We are talking about people who know a lot about football. They are two very important directors and it makes me proud that they have followed me so closely and that they respect me so much. This trust is something that has pushed me to give more in every training session and to show that they were right to believe in me.
“Inter showed it to me by always retaining me, Monza by putting together a deal to bring me here. When Galliani called me this summer, I immediately said yes. I don’t want to make him regret this choice,” he concluded.
