Inter Milan midfielder Kristjan Asllani is cherishing his experience at the club, while revealing how Hakan Calhanoglu has been serving as a mentor.
The 22-year-old is an Empoli youth product who signed for the Nerazzurri on loan in the summer of 2022 before making his move permanent in 2023.
The Albanian hasn’t yet carved himself a regular spot in Simone Inzaghi’s lineup. However, he has been showing encouraging signs this season when given the opportunity.
In a new interview, Asllani expressed his delight to be part of the club, considering it a dream.
“I said and will continue to say that for me, there is no better place to be than Inter,” he told the ABC Morning Show via FcInter1908.
“There are many great players at the club and they help me every day. I have two years of experience now and have totally assimilated myself into the group.
“I love my teammates and they love me as well. For me, it’s a dream.”
The Albania international then spoke about his rapport with some of his teammates, including Calhanoglu.
Inter Milan Midfielder Kristjan Asllani Considers Hakan Calhanoglu A Mentor
With the Turkish star acting as the main deep-lying playmaker, Asllani is seeing limited playing time. But despite the competition for a starting place, they share a student-mentor rapport.
“I get along very well with Frattesi and Lautaro. The same goes with everyone else, but I have a special relationship with these two.
“Calhanoglu took me under his wing. We often talk, and when he was absent from the match, he wrote to me.
“For me, he is an idol. I’m learning from him, he’s a player with great experience and I want to continue learning even more.”
As for the European Championship, Asllani remains cautiously optimistic about Albania’s chances in the competition.
“Going there and playing against the strongest national teams will be great. We have a chance, we know it’s difficult. But we will try to surprise.”
Albania has been pitted in the same group with Italy, Spain and Croatia.
