Ex AC Milan Star Grows Into Leader In Fourth Season At Inter Milan

Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has been growing into more and more of a leader at Inter Milan as he heads into his fourth season at the club.

This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Calhanoglu made the move to Inter in the summer of 2021.

It was certainly a high profile transfer, with a strong air of controversy. That is because the Turkish international joined the Nerazzurri on a free transfer from city rivals AC Milan.

Calhanoglu had spent four seasons wearing the shirt of the Rossoneri.

And while there were certainly signs of what the former Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg midfielder was capable of in those four seasons, he was never really a central player for Milan.

Calhanoglu stayed at the San Siro, but changed allegiances.

And the 30-year-old has become an altogether different sort of figure during his time with the Nerazzurri.

Hakan Calhanoglu A Leader At Inter Milan Heading Into Fourth Season

Calhanoglu did need a period of adjustment at Inter. The Turk naturally had to win over the fans, and prove that he could have an important role in a new environment.

But Calhanoglu did just that, and quicker than many had expected.

Moreover, playing in Inter coach Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 system seemed to unlock something in Calhanoglu that no Milan coach was ever able to.

The Turk initially played on the right of the midfield trio. And his form in his first season at Inter was certainly good.

But it was a move to the base of the midfield trio that really got the best out of Calhanoglu.

Having spent much of his career playing in more of an attacking role. Calhanoglu found that he was playing his best football in holding midfield.

Now, the 30-year-old is virtually indispensable for Inter.

There is arguably no single player who’s more difficult for Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi to do without in the starting eleven.

Calhanoglu’s influence on both sides of the ball – as well as his connection with the fans and the shirt – have made him a leader at this Inter team.