Inter’s CEO for sport and a number of players spoke to the media on Monday about the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City set for this Saturday in Instanbul. Those interviewed spoke of club legacy, the determination to win and the challenge that awaits them in a few days.
Club CEO Beppe Marotta, appearing in the conference room of Appiano Gentile, greeted the media and credited the team’s achievements to the coach, the team and all the corporate employees, “It is the sixth time in the history of the club that we have reached the final, this appointment brings us back to the stage in keeping with the history of the club. We are ready to honor it with respect for an important opponent,” he said, “It is an important day.”
Federico Dimarco talked about his love for the Nerazzurri: “Since I was born, my family has passed on their love for Inter to me. Playing here, I fulfilled a dream,” he said, but then remarked on the final, “Playing in the Champions League final is not an everyday thing, especially for Inter who won three. Every boy dreams of playing these matches.”
Alessandro Bastoni was asked about Inter’s opponents on Saturday and what he thought of City coach Pep Guardiola: “In terms of characteristics, I mirror Guardiola’s game, but now I feel more Inzaghi-like than ever. I’m happy to be at Inter, nobody believed in us. I’m not interested in proving anything to anyone, if not the club, my team-mates and to the coach”.
Romelu Lukaku spoke to CNN about his relationship with the members of the now legendary 2010 edition of Inter that won the treble and how close he feels this current squad is in feeling and spirit. “It’s very similar,” the Belgian striker said. “And to be honest, the funny thing is a lot of those players from that 2010 band, they come and watch our games and they feel the same thing.”
André Onana also expressed his conviction about the final to Sport Mediaset and how he wants to add to the club’s legacy: “We really hope to win everything, because we train for this. We know it will certainly be difficult, against a very great opponent. But we will be there, and we want to enrich Inter’s already great history, we deserve it.”
Inter’s starting goalkeeper explained how he and his teammates expect to give everything on the pitch this Saturday. “But we must prepare well, because a great match awaits us, against a great opponent. However, I am convinced that, we work as we are doing, we will have our opportunities. You don’t play the final, you win. So we will go to Istanbul to win. I don’t know how, but we have to win.”
