Former Inter Milan wingback Valentin Lazaro admits his time on the Nerazzurri books was the most difficult period of his playing career.

The Italian champions splashed 22.5 million euros to sign the Austrian from Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2019.

At the time, the player had cemented himself as one of the most promising fullbacks in the Bundesliga. He also had a previous experience in his native country with RB Salzburg.

However, Lazaro’s decline was on a steep decline during his time at Inter.

The Austria international only spent the first six months at Appiano Gentile. But after failing to make a positive impression on Antonio Conte, he was sent on loan to Newcastle United in June.

Another two abroad experiences followed at Borussia Monchengladbach and Benfica.

Luckily for Lazaro, this dark period came to an end when he finally found his niche at Torino.

The wingback signed for the Granata initially on loan in the summer of 2022. A year later, he completed a permanent switch to Turin.

Last season, he made 35 appearances in Serie A, contributing with four assists.

Torino finished the previous campaign in ninth place, and many now consider them outsiders in the race for European spots next season.

But while Lazaro is now aiming to help Torino reach the next level, he looks back on his time with Inter with a sense of regret.

Valentin Lazaro Opens Up On His Inter Milan Difficulties

The Austrian considers it the worst period of his career, and even admits seeking mental help from professionals.

“It wasn’t an easy period for me,” admitted the versatile wingback in his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport via FcInterNews.

“I had a fast start to my career, at 16 I was already a professional in Salzburg, then the Bundesliga, then Inter and then the slowdown.

“I wasn’t playing at Inter, and then I found myself constantly on loan. It was tough, I got help from a mental coach.

“But I never gave up and I never stopped believing in my abilities. I waited for my chance and eventually found a team like Torino where I could play for years to come.

“The move worked and I’m very grateful to the club. I want to give everything on the pitch to repay the management and the fans.”