Inter Milan wingback Federico Dimarco feels that where he is now is the reflection of a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster RSI ahead of the Champions League final against Man City next weekend, via FCInterNews, the 25-year-old admitted that earlier on in his career things had been a lot more difficult for him.

This season has been a real breakout campaign for Inter wingback Dimarco.

Last campaign had been his first in the Nerazzurri’s senior first team squad. However, he hadn’t really had a starring role then.

Dimarco certainly played his part last time around, but he was hardly first-choice on Inter’s left flank. Ivan Perisic was the regular starter in Dimarco’s position, and he frequently deputized on the left of the back three.

This time around, however, Perisic’s departure has really opened the door for Dimarco.

The 25-year-old has really taken his opportunity and cemented his place in the team. Dimarco’s crossing, passing, and an improve defensive awareness have been key to the team all through the campaign.

That has certainly been the case in the Champions League where he has played his part in Inter reaching the final.

Federico Dimarcio: Taken A Long To Reach This Level With Inter Milan

Dimarco admitted that “Every player goes through ups and downs, and I experienced more downs than ups at the start of my career.”

“But now I’m happy to be here,” he continued. “Because I know that I’ve earned it with hard work, and with all the sacrifices I’ve made.”

“I went to Switzerland because I believe that every footballer should take their own responsibilities,” the 25-year-old noted. “I took mine.”

“I made some right choices and some wrong ones, but I’ve always been aware of what I was doing.”

“And I’m happy to be here today.”

Dimarco also looked back to Inter’s victory in the Champions League final in 2010.

“I watched it while I was at a tournament with Inter’s youth team in Rimini,” he looked back. “We all watched it together.”

“My best memories were Milito’s second goal, and the moment when Zanetti lifted the trophy.”