Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu believes that his display against Porto in a Champions League tie best represents him as a player.

The Turk gave his thoughts in the official matchday programme for this evening’s Serie A clash with Roma.

The past two seasons and change have seen a great deal of growth from Calhanoglu.

When the midfielder arrived at Inter, he did so at the age of 27. The Nerazzurri signed Calhanoglu as a kind of replacement for Christian Eriksen and expected an instant impact.

During his four seasons playing for city rivals AC Milan, Calhanoglu’s quality was certainly evident.

But at the same time, there were also questions about the former Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg man’s consistency and ability to impact games for ninety minutes.

Calhanoglu’s first season at Inter was a promising one. Simone Inzaghi gave the Turkish international more responsibility in a box-to-box midfield position.

Then last season, Calhanoglu moved all the way back into a deep midfield position.

And it has been in that position where the 29-year-old has showed his very best form.

Hakan Calhanoglu Names Champions League Clash Vs Porto As Match That “Represents” Him

Calhanoglu’s performances in the deep-lying playmaker role were a key part of Inter’s run to last season’s Champions League final.

And perhaps the most individually impressive display from the Turk came in the second leg of a round of sixteen tie against Porto.

That match was a backs-to-the-wall defensive display from Inter. The Nerazzurri held out for a 0-0 draw to reach the semifinals of Europe’s top club competition.

And perhaps no player on the pitch that night in Portugal better exemplified the gritty nature of the win than Calhanoglu.

“If I have to choose just one match that represents me perfectly, I’d say the one in Portugal,” the 29-year-old declared.

“In terms of the importance of the match and my performance.”

“But my best goal will always be my free-kick goal against Dortmund from back when I played for Hamburg,” the midfielder continued.

Calhanoglu also observed that “I’m in my third season at Inter. And I have to say that what I’ve found here is one big family.”

“From all the people who work here, to the fans who are always close behind us, they’re the best. Everyone here has such a big heart.”