In the last summer, Hakan Calhanoglu did not extend his contract with AC Milan. He left as a free agent after failed negotiations and chose to sign for city rivals Inter.
The player spoke to Il Corriere dello Sport about his past at the Rossoneri:
"I spent four good years at Milan and I have many friends there. There have also been difficult moments, but the last two seasons have been better than the first two thanks to Pioli. Inter are a good team that won the last Scudetto and more derbies during my Rossoneri experience. I chose to come here because I like to take on new challenges in my career. If I score against Milan would I celebrate? I'll do like I always do."
"I have met many Milan fans because I often go to eat with my family in restaurants: they ask me for photos and they say they love me. I have not had any problems with anyone at Milan and I am still in contact with my former teammates", says Calhanoglu, "When I moved from Hamburg to Leverkusen I felt similar sensations, that is to play in the same stadium, but with the other team. Here in Milan, however, the derby is something else ... I know the Milan defenders, as they know me. It will not be an advantage and I will only have to think about the work I have to do to help my teammates."
On Ibrahimovic:
"I have great respect for him because he is a great player and a great person and I spent a lot of time with him. Having said that, I will give my best for Inter and he will do the same for Milan. It's a derby and nobody wants to lose."
About the summer:
"This summer I did not speak to anyone because I was committed to the European Championship and I was only thinking of Turkey. My agent knew he had to find me the best possible solution and he did. When the call from Marotta and Ausilio came, I was not surprised, but calm. With my qualities I know what I can do and honestly the risk of being left without a team has never crossed my mind. I said to myself: 'A club will come'. New role? I was freer because I had only one striker in front, while now there are two and I have to go back, open the game and recover the ball. Basically there are not too many differences. I think I've done a good job so far also because I'm learning the tactics and movements of the mezzala", concluded Calhanoglu his interview.
