He's one of the most important players in Luciano Spalletti's Inter. Borja Valero, after leaving Fiorentina last summer has already made everyone like him at Milan. Here are his words given to Il Corriere dello Sport: "Critics? They may last until the end (he smiles)... I don't know if it's true or not, everyone has his opinion and his way of seeing a football game. 7 wins and a draw in 8 games isn't easy to do though, especially for a team like ours that has changed a lot respect to the past and that has great growth margines. Is Napoli the best team? From the way I mean football, I'd say yes: they've got a fluid, quick style and they move the ball vertically scoring a lot of goals. Looking at one of their game is attracting and entertaining. Bad memories at the San Paolo? Yes, regarding the results. I've only won one time with Fiorentina's jersey and I've also had bad times with Villareal. The stadium is really nice though and the atmosphere gets really warm, especially for the big matchs. If anyone said two months ago that Napoli-Inter would be a match between the two top teams of the league, who would have believed it? I wouldn't have, but I would have signed 100% to get here in these conditions".
He also talks about Inter as the league's surprise: "This idea may be the most present. So many people misjudged our transfer window because big names some people were expected didn't arrive. We've been undervalued and that has been a good thing for a series of reasons. During my career I've learned to not read the newspapers too much or not to look at sportive programmes. Everyone has his opinion and it's fair to respect it. I only hope that a part of the ones that didn't like me will change their mind. Me with Sarri? I've always liked this kind of coaches. During my career though, I've had so many great coaches and I can't complain. I can't rank them but I can't deny Spalletti has done the right stimuli to the team in this start. He's a very special coach because he's got a strong personality and has made himself understand from the start: he knows how to transmit his ideas so that you'll make the best out on the pitch".
A me il centrocampo che “gira” in continuazione piace. Anche al Villarreal giocavamo così: ci mescolavamo spesso e finivamo in 3-4 su un lato per fare densità. L’Inter è da titolo? Alla nona giornata è troppo presto per parlare di scudetto, ma le partite importanti sono utili per misurarsi, per farti capire dove puoi arrivare. Uscire da Napoli con la vittoria, sarebbe importante psicologicamente. Firmerei per riportare l’Inter in Champions. Come, lo vedremo alla fine. Milan? Quando arrivi in una società importante, al minimo problema la critica ti mette in croce. Noi veniamo attaccati per il gioco e siamo secondi. Figuratevi Montella... Lui, però, era ed è un bravo allenatore. Farà bene. Io via da Firenze? Era l’unica soluzione possibile perché erano state create le condizioni perché io andassi via. Mi hanno messo spalle al muro, tra l’incudine e il martello. O andavo o... andavo. Quando posso torno in città a salutare gli amici. Un sogno? Non sono venuto qua con l’ossessione di vincere qualcosa, ma riuscirci sarebbe bello. Se l’Inter ti chiama, a una società così non puoi dire no".
Inter without Borja Valero? "They've been so many years without me, they'll be there when I won't be on the pitch because disqualified or because Spalletti wouldn't make me play. My role? At my age I think I'm better a few meters behind with the ball between my feet, but I've liked playing as a trequartista (offensive midfielder) in the derby. Same thing goes at Fiorentina when I've played as a mezz'ala in the three men midfield. I like when the midfield continuously moves. We played like that also at Villareal: we moved in order to be at 3-4 players so that we have more density on one side. Could Inter pretend at the Scudetto? It's too soon to say, but the important matches are useful to get an idea and understand where we could get. Getting a win from Napoli would be important psychologically. I'd sign to get Inter back to the Champions League. We'll see in the end. A dream? I didn't come with the obsession to win something but it would still be nice. When Inter calls, you can't say no".
