Back home with the promise not to be sold again, then put on the transfer market by surprise and no longer untouchable, then still a starter on the flank. Davide Santon has had an experience at Inter on thin ice, but now he expects a greater peace of mind and he spoke about this, and much more, in an interview with Tuttosport.
From being player about to leave to a player who is stay: What determined the confirmation of Santon at Inter?
“A series of meetings I had with Mancini. He explained to me how he wants me to move on the pitch, I gave him my full availability, and I’m still here. This is my home, I have been in Milan since I was 14 years old, I want to demonstrate that I want to stay a long time at Inter.”
You, El Shaarawy, the same Balotelli, represent a generation of pure talent in search of redemption, because many young Italians who had a bright start to their careers are a bit lost?
“When you start receiving many compliments you struggle to digest the subsequent criticism. By the time you mature, you learn to manage the applause as well as the whistles. In the summer of 2011 I would never have wanted to leave Inter, now instead, I can only recognize what has been positive, in my growth process, with the experience of Newcastle.”
On Sunday there will also be a derby with a focus on the national team: you, De Sciglio, Abate and Antonelli are also competing for call-ups to the forthcoming matches in the qualification for the European championship.
“I know it well. Winning to reach 9 points and play well to attract the attention of Conte, these objectives, for the team and personally, are the challenges on Sunday.”
Losing or winning the derby will have a certain weight.
“In terms of self-esteem, confidence that infuses the success, more so in the derby, for sure.”
At the end of the transfer market Perisic, Ljajic, Felipe Melo and Telles arrived: has there been sufficient time to integrate the new arrivals?
“Felipe Melo and Ljajic know the Serie A, it is easier for them, while the new need a bit of time to reach full understanding with the rest of the group.”
In this regard, do you think the Brazilian midfielder has the charisma to become a reference within the squad?
“I loved how he presented himself: he is one that has the balls to say what he thinks.”
Is Jovetic the current leader?
“Yes: he decided the game against Atalanta despite not playing a great game, while against the Carpi, as well as scoring two goals, he also played well.”
Is there any full-back who has inspired you?
“I grew up with Maicon as a model. Among the great I would also put Alaba, Jordi Alba, Dani Alves and Marcelo.”
What is your maximum aspiration for your whole career?
“To become a bandiera for Inter, playing at Inter for as long as possible. Yes, just like Zanetti did: a reference on the pitch before, and as a man now. For us players it is fortunate that he has remained at Inter.”
Ready to get another tattoo after the one celebrating the Champions League of 2010?
“The body has a lot of space and is ready to accommodate other successes ineraseable. I think the same is true for Biabiany: he, for now, has a tattoo from his success in the Intercontinental Cup.”
Against Milan, there are good chances that you are the only Italian among the Nerazzurri on the pitch: do you feel that as an extra responsibility?
“Having said that we don’t know the decisions of Mancini yet, if that were the case I would be happy. When it has happened that I’m the only Italian on the pitch with Inter, I have always been proud to represent Italy.”
Clear any lingering doubts: how’s the knee? “Physically I’m fine, mentally as well. Yes, I’m charged to a thousand when it comes to Sunday.”
Source: fcinternews.it