Inter Milan veteran Matteo Darmian announces himself as a lifelong Nerazzurri supporter despite starting his career at AC Milan.
The 34-year-old was a Rossoneri youth product who eventually had his big breakthrough at Torino.
In 2015, he earned a move to Manchester United before making his return to Italy through the gates of Parma in 2019.
A transfer to Inter followed in the ensuing year, and he’s been a key member of the Nerazzurri squad ever since.
Although he only joined the club at the age of 30, Darmian had always been an Inter fan.
“My father had a passion for Fiorentina but he didn’t pass it to me,” said the Italy international in his interview with Radio TV Serie A via FcInterNews.
“However, he did pass me his passion for football. But I, on the other hand, started supporting Inter when I was little along with my friends.
“I can only thank Milan because it was a very formative process for me.
“I remember many things about the audition. They asked me who my idol was and I replied Seedorf, who was at Inter at the time.
“Then Seedorf became my teammate! He was a professor on and off the pitch. He always gave me and the other young players good advice.
“All the experiences you have end up shaping you. I always say that Milan was a school of life because it taught me to be in a team. It gave me discipline, in addition to the technical and tactical values that formed me.
“Then when I approached the first team, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to play and I wanted to demonstrate my value. So we split paths.”
Darmian Remembers The Scudetto He Won At Inter
Darmian explains what Inter means to him, while recalling the Scudetto he won under the guidance of Antonio Conte.
“Interissimo is many things. It starts from the fact that it is a passion, it is being part of a family, of an important project and being ready to give everything to the cause.
“I remember that the start of the season was full of ups and downs I think the turning point came after the match in Sassuolo, where we won 3-0.
“During the week we told ourselves in a meeting that if we wanted to achieve something important we have to give everything.
“The Scudetto with Inter was special. Winning is never easy. We are working to continue to win. Even today the aim is to work hard and sacrifice.
“We are a great group and I think that shines through when we play. In moments of difficulty the harmony and desire to sacrifice within the team comes out.”
Matteo Darmian Hails Inter Milan Coach Simone Inzaghi
The 34-year-old lauds current Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, describing him as a pleasant person and a great manager while recalling the events of last season.
“Inzaghi is a pleasant person as well as being a great coach. He is proving it. At the right moment, he gives you the tranquility you need.
“We work better with serenity and victories. These are the ingredients for achieving great goals.
“Last year, we had some ups and downs. We weren’t consistent, but we knew we were strong and had to prove it.
“We always remained united and our values came out in the second part of the season. We did much better by reaching the Champions League final.”
Finally, Darmian is hoping to remain at Inter for a long time. He has recently earned a new contract until 2025.
“I hope to continue wearing this shirt for many years because I feel really good in here. Inter is a second family to me. But the time will come for me to stop too.
“I hope to remain for as long as possible. As long as I’m well I’d like to continue and I haven’t thought about my post-football future yet.
“I’d like to stay in this sport but don’t ask me if I’m going to become a coach today.
“It would be great to end up at Inter, but I don’t know what will happen in the next few years. That’s definitely a dream.”
