Joao Mario made his arrival to Inter as European Champion for Portugal and second most expensive purchase in the history of the club. His first five months weren’t stellar, but like the rest of the team, the justifications aren't lacking. He spoke to TuttoSport about the clubs situation and more:
“Nobody can deny we haven’t started the season well. We would have loved to be higher up in the standings, but the past is the past. Our focus should now be to start the new year strong and try to get a Champions League spot. Until we’re mathematically condemned, there is still a chance”.
On the de Boer-Pioli coach change: “It’s hard to say what the actual problems were, especially because anytime something goes wrong, the coach takes responsibility. Now that we have an Italian coach, I see how much of a language barrier we previously had. De Boer had good ideas, but wasn’t able to communicate them fully to the team. My price tag? If Inter spent so much for me it’s because they believe in my abilities. I try not to think about it, all I want to do is repay the club with good performances, trying to obtain our goals. I’m only 23 years old, there’s a long way left before I reach my potential. I started slow with Sporting as well, I’m sure I’ll have a similar journey here.”
Will his national team partner Cristiano Ronaldo ever join him in Milan?: “It’s complicated. He’s been in Madrid for a long time and is the symbol of the team. If he ever left Madrid and wanted to come to Italy, I think I could convince him to join Inter. Idols? Zidane is the player I’ve always appreciated the most. But I also loved Pirlo’s playstyle and Pogba. The strongest opponent faced in Italy? Without a doubt: Hamsik. Italian football? I thought it would be easier. It’s a different competition, everyone can defend really well”.
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