Andrea Ranocchia says his new Inter contract is coming soon, whilst he lifts the lid on some of his teammates and his perceptions of them.

The defender took part in a question and answer session with Nerazzurro fans through social media and with Inter Channel

The 26-year-old club captain tackled a number of subjects, including his footballing idol, the greatest player in his position and his quickest opponent.

Andrea Ranocchia says his new Inter contract is coming soon, whilst he lifts the lid on some of his teammates and his perceptions of them.

The defender took part in a question and answer session with Nerazzurro fans through social media and with Inter Channel

The 26-year-old club captain tackled a number of subjects, including his footballing idol, the greatest player in his position and his quickest opponent.

“It’s hard to say [who the best player I’ve played against is],” Ranocchia began in the lengthy session.

“Last summer, I faced Cristiano Ronaldo in a friendly match. The other Ronaldo? People have told me extraordinary things about him.

“My first idol was Ronaldo – Il Fenomeno. Then, when I became a defender, [Alessandro] Nesta.

“There are many [defenders that I really like], such as [Mats] Hummels. Previously? [Paolo] Maldini was the absolute best and most complete.

“Gervinho [was the quickest player I’ve faced], but in the past there have been many.”

The centre-back was then quizzed on some of his current teammates.

“[Mateo] Kovacic is an extraordinary talent, he's young and has to work hard. He must also endure bad times during his development.

“A few blows on a personal level helps you grow. It happened to me, so I speak from experience.

“[Nagatomo] is good lad and very nice. He commits himself so well, before and after training. A great professional.

“[Federico] Bonazzoli is very young but a great talent and already has a striker’s instincts. He has a great shot and physically ready. His age doesn’t matter.

“Medel is a great agonist. He doesn’t give the ball away and is aggressive. He will be important for us this year.

“Vidic has great peace of mind in doing things, he is not rushed, he has the personality but also the career. He is a key element for us.

“Matrix [Marco Materazzi, was the biggest joker] for sure. Him and Eto'o always cracked ​​jokes and were like an inseparable couple.

“Together they became dangerous. Nagatomo was the perfect victim.”

On a more serious note, Ranocchia then spoke of his desire to see out the remainder of his career at Inter and potentially replicate the legacy left behind by previous captain Javier Zanetti.

“Sure [I would end my career at Inter]. The new contract will become official and run for a long time,” he added.

“It’s difficult [to follow Zanetti]. He is unsurpassed in terms of appearances, so it’s not easy but I have time on my side.

“At 40, he still trained at his peak and was the first for everything. He had humility in the workplace and felt he could still improve.

“[Being captain] gives you beautiful emotions and more responsibility, but I think I'm now an expert on this. I know my environment very well, but it’s more challenging than before.

“Perhaps [my best performance was] at Fiorentina during my first year at the club. We won 2-1 with goals from Eto'o and [Giampaolo] Pazzini. I believe Lucio was next to me.

“He is very strong and dominant physically. Sometimes, he wasn’t around, but he had a great personality.”

Looking ahead to this weekend’s clash with Napoli, the Italy international had some words of encouragement for the Nerazzurri’s fans – and a rebuttal for Lorenzo Insigne.

“Keep cheering Inter and come to the stadium on Sunday to show your support because we need all of you there.

“Insigne said he would score? I say ‘no’ to that!”

Byrob

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