Inter midfielder Joao Mario has spoken on how he has settled into life in his new surroundings at loan club Lokomotiv Moscow.

“Russia has been very good. I like it, the club is very organised, we are fighting to win the title and so far I have played all the games as a starter except for the first one. I am playing regularly and for this I am very satisfied,” he said.

“Everyone welcomed me very well. The team is excellent, we have a lot of technically good players. In addition to the victories in the league, we managed to win in Germany against Leverkusen in the Champions League. We are in a good moment and this makes us confident.”

He was then asked what he made of Inter’s performance in the recent Derby D’Italia with Juventus.

“Inter played well and reacted as a great team after having conceded the first goal. It was a really balanced match, in the end the small details made the difference. At the individual level I think that the Juve players made the difference, Higuain in this case, but on a tactical level they were two very organised teams.”

He concluded by discussing his return to the Portuguese national team.

“This was my goal this season. I am playing to be an option for the EURO 2020. Playing here and in the Champions League certainly helps me. I am very happy and proud to be back with Portugal.

“The environment in the national team is fantastic and the truth is that I feel very well in the group. So much so that when you are not there you feel bad for not being there.”