in his second season at Manchester United, Matteo Darmian has appeared in ten matches for Jose Mourinho. The former Torino defender is getting ready to face fellow Italian Walter Mazzarri on Saturday when the Red Devils will play against Watford, in the meantime Darmian gave an interview to Manchester United's official site on many topics
Which was your favourite football shirt when you were younger?
Well, I always say that my idol is Paolo Maldini. I was in the first team with him at Milan, and I played in his last game, which was special. At the end of the season, I asked him for a shirt because he was my idol from when I started to play. So that was my favourite shirt, a Milan one worn by Maldini.
Who are the most difficult opponents you have played against - one from the Premier League and one from Serie A?
I think in Serie A, probably Carlos Tevez, when he played for Juventus. I think he was one of the most difficult opponents to play against in Serie A. He had a lot of things in his game but I think the best thing was his character because he never gave up, he tried to follow every player to take the ball, and I think he was a great player during the period he was playing for Juventus. He did very well. If I have to mention one from the Premier League, it’s difficult because there are a lot of very good players – we have a lot of very good players in our team as well – but if I have to choose one from another team, I think it’s maybe Eden Hazard or Alexis Sanchez.
Who was the first player you became friends with or socialised with when you joined United?
I think every player tried to make me feel at home when I came into the club. But, after a while, I had a good relationship with the Spanish guys, with Daley Blind, and with Morgan Schneiderlin.
Apart from Old Trafford, which is the best stadium you have played in and why?
San Siro is probably the best one in Italy for its history, it’s always special to play there. But I think here in England, Old Trafford is the best one. If I have to choose another one here, it would probably be Wembley. But I think every stadium in England is good and they are often full which makes the atmosphere very good.
If you could change history and pick one Italy legend to join United, who would it be and why?
I think in the history of Italy there are a lot of players so it’s difficult but if I have to choose one, I would probably choose Andrea Pirlo. I know him very well, I’ve played with him in the national team, so I know his qualities. He’s a very good player and I think he would have been good for United.
Which goal did you enjoy more - your first for United or first for Italy? Talk us through it.
I think my first goal for United, I’ll never forget it. I’m not used to scoring too many goals but I think it was a good one and an important one because it helped the team to win the game against Crystal Palace [2-0 at home, April 2016]. It was a corner from Daley Blind and, when a defender cleared it out of the box, I anticipated it, shot with my left foot and the ball went through, hit the post and went into the goal. It’s easy to describe but a little bit more difficult to do it!
