How Ex AC Milan Star Has Become A Leader In Inter Milan Dressing Room

From regular video calls with teammates to helping new signings integrate, Hakan Calhanoglu has emerged as a dressing room leader at Inter Milan.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Calhanoglu is now in his third season at Inter.

The Turkish international made the switch from AC Milan during the summer of 2021. That was two years ago.

And in some respects, it feels like it’s been a lot longer than that.

When Calhanoglu arrived at Inter, it was always natural that there would be some controversy. He had made the switch across the derby divide in Milan, and on a free transfer no less.

But Calhanoglu wasted no time in winning the Nerazzurri fans over.

The Turk quickly cemented an important role for himself in the team, and thoroughly convinced Inter supporters that he had total commitment to the cause.

And in the process, Calhanoglu also alienated the Milan supporters.

The former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has become more important on the pitch to Inter virtually with each passing match. The fans have responded to this.

And the 29-year-old is also more important than ever off of the pitch.

Hakan Calhanoglu Now A Dressing Room Leader At Inter Milan

One way in which Calhanoglu has cemented his importance behind the scenes with Inter is how he has made a point of keeping in contact with his teammates.

The Turk has not just limited his interactions with teammates to training and matches.

Rather, Calhanoglu has established personal friendships with fellow Nerazzurri players.

These have included strikers Marcus Thuram and Marko Arnautovic.

According to the Gazzetta, Calhanoglu has been calling both in video calls during the international break.

It is these kinds of relationships that build cohesion within the Inter squad.

And moreover, the Gazzetta notes, Calhanoglu is also a player who provides the atmosphere in celebrations.

The newspaper observe that the 29-year-old always seems to be the man leading the dances and chants in dressing room celebrations after victories.

Moreover, it was Calhanoglu who made a point to join former Juventus wingback Juan Cuadrado in a celebratory dance.

Whilst not the biggest gesture, this helped the former Juventus veteran feel a part of the Inter project. And it was emblematic of how Calhanoglu helps this Inter team, apart from his obvious on-pitch qualities.