Marcus Thuram opened up about his first season with Inter, the ongoing battle against racism in football and what’s surprised him most about Serie A.
The 26-year-old French striker has proven himself to be one of the most important signings of last summer’s transfer window in Serie A, playing a crucial role in the Nerazzurri’s incredible campaign so far, netting 12 goals and providing 11 assists in 35 matches across all competitions.
Inter have now taken a commanding 15-point lead in Serie A, allowing them to put one hand on the Scudetto, and are also looking to carry out some unfinished business in the Champions League, wanting to go one step further after their loss to Manchester City in the final last year.
Speaking to GQ Italia, Thuram first discussed the main values needed to play football at a high level.
“The most important thing to play football well is to love football. When you love playing, you also love all the effort, the less fun side of this sport, you make an effort both for yourself and for your teammates.
“In this Inter there’s no one who doesn’t love football, we’re a group of 25 people, to which you must add the staff, who are happy to spend the time together and to work for each other.
“A group is no longer a player, it’s a team. I don’t see myself from the outside, but I think this is what you also perceive as a fan.”
He spoke about the Nerazzurri’s journey over the last few years.
“This group wasn’t born last year. They’ve existed for three years. Last year they lost a Champions League final that they could have won, they won trophies and we intend to continue doing so.
“Of course, it’s easy to open your eyes now, because everything is going very well, but it’s a journey that has lasted for years.”
The Frenchman revealed the most surprising aspect of Serie A.
“Serie A is a league that has surprised me in a positive way. Obviously I already knew it, but the tactical preparation of the opponents is something of the highest level.
“Every team, from top to bottom, enters the pitch with a very specific idea of the game, the knowledge of each player is very high.”
Finally, Thuram discussed the ongoing battle against racism in football and the wider world.
“It is normal that people ask Marcus Thuram to be a symbol for the fight against racism, because I have a voice that can be heard more than others. I am aware of this and the topic is very close to my heart.
“However, I don’t believe that an individual can change things, it is obviously a collective process. Also because it’s just a matter of understanding that we are human. Many also see it as a limited problem, earlier you spoke of an Italian problem.
“I don’t think it’s an Italian problem. It exists in France, it exists in Spain, in the United States Unfortunately, it is a universal problem and therefore I believe it is a process of change to be embraced and implemented all together, each doing their part.”