Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij feels that the entire team is happy for striker Marko Arnautovic following his Champions League goal.
The Dutchman spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, following the Nerazzurri’s 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, in which Arnautovic was the hero.
At the end of the day, it didn’t matter all that much to Inter who scored their winner against Atletico.
A goal and an advantage to take into the second leg were what counted.
But the fact that the goal came via former Bologna and West Ham United veteran Arnautovic was undeniably significant.
The 34-year-old has hardly been a regular starter this season. And it was not necessarily expected to see him called into action in a match as big as this evening’s.
Arnautovic replaced Marcus Thuram for the first half following the Frenchman’s injury.
And it turned out to be a memorable Champions League night for the Austrian.
Arnautovic did miss a couple of good chances to put Inter ahead. But eventually, the veteran striker got it right.
Arnautovic turned the ball in from the rebound of a saved Lautaro Martinez shot.
And the whole squad celebrated, congratulating the Austrian on an important goal and moment, for him and for the entire team.
Stefan De Vrij: Everyone At Inter Loves Marko Arnautovic
Defender de Vrij said that “The atmosphere around the team is great.”
“We all love Arna,” the Dutchman continued.
“He’s a great guy, and he gives us a lot. We’re happy that he was able to find the goal.”
As far as the victory, de Vrij said that “We prepared for it well.”
“That showed in how we interpreted the match,” he added.
“It’s a good win, although we could have scored more goals.”
As far as the dangers that Atletico can pose in the second leg, de Vrij said that “Their quality was evident.”
“They’re a strong team who have forwards who can attack the space in behind.”
“We have to play as a team as we always do. Then we’ll go through.”
