Wingback Denzel Dumfries is proud of how he’s grown at Inter Milan, and considers 2010 Treble winner Maicon his idol.
The Dutchman spoke in the official matchday programme for this evening’s Champions League group stage match against Red Bull Salzburg.
Dumfries is now in his third season as an Inter player.
Dumfries joined the Nerazzurri from PSV during the summer of 2021. He arrived as the replacement for Achraf Hakimi on the right flank following the Moroccan’s big money sale to Paris Saint-Germain.
There was a bit of a settling-in process for Dumfries during his first season.
But by his second season in an Inter shirt, the Dutchman had really started to establish himself as first-choice in his role at right-wingback.
And that has certainly been the case at the start of this season for Dumfries. The 27-year-old has started the majority of the Nerazzurri’s matches.
And he has been in good form. Dumfries has already scored two goals and made four assists for Inter this season.
For his part, the Dutchman is happy with how much he’s grown into this team.
Denzel Dumfries: Proud Of Growth At Inter, Maicon My Idol
“I’ve always been very determined about wanting to become a footballer,” Dumfries said.
“I’ve worked a lot and I am proud to have reached the level I’m at now,” he continued.
The Dutchman noted that “Every time I take to the pitch is special. Especially in front of the Nerazzurri fans.”
He reflected that “Playing football is what I love, and it gives me a feeling that’s unique.”
“This shirt means a lot,” the Inter wingback said. “In this city and around the world seeing so many fans wearing it is incredible, which is why when I get ready to go out onto the pitch I feel honoured to be wearing it.”
Dumfries said that “Before matches I’m calm and focused. With experience you increasingly are able to focus on the work that needs to be done to improve.”
As far as his idol at Inter, Dumfries replied that “I’d have to say Maicon. He was one of the best players of all time in his position.”
And as far as idols outside of football, the Nerazzurri wingback noted that “Michael Jordan had an incredible impact in basketball and beyond.”
