Ricky Alvarez has assured fans that he will return a fitter and more complete player at Inter, after a difficult season so far.
The Argentine attacking midfielder, who turned 24 on Thursday, returned from a two-month injury lay-off yesterday to play a majority of the Nerazzurri’s game with Siena.
Ricky Alvarez has assured fans that he will return a fitter and more complete player at Inter, after a difficult season so far.
The Argentine attacking midfielder, who turned 24 on Thursday, returned from a two-month injury lay-off yesterday to play a majority of the Nerazzurri’s game with Siena.
Having struggled to hold down a regular playing place since arriving at the club last summer, through various tactical changes and then niggling injuries, Alvarez expressed his joy at having returned in Week 32.
“My father congratulated me because, returning after my injury, I played more than I could have imagined, in terms of both the quantity of minutes as well as in the quality of play,” the right-footed attacker enthused on Inter Channel.
“Surely I can give and do more, but, being the first time after a long time, it went well.
“I feel good at Inter, just as I did as soon as I arrived. This injury had me on the shelf for a while, and now I have to get as fit as I can and keep working hard.
“The team, as last night's match showed, is now doing a bit better. With the results coming our way again the team is more lively, and for someone like me who is coming back after a long layoff, it's easier.”
The youngster also reflected on the worsened relationship between the team and its supporters this season, before reflecting on how he has developed as a player this season.
“I understand the fans and I understand their boos. They're used to seeing a different Inter, with different players who had different skills.
“Those of us who have joined now must prove we are up to playing for Inter and win people over with our performances on the pitch.
“You'll always find people who don't like the way I play. I think there are various ways of showing your determination on the pitch and two in particular – fighting for every ball as if it were the last tackle, running around all the time trying to get there before your opponent, or – and this is the way I see football – you can show your desire and personality by always wanting the ball and putting yourself in positions to receive it – that too is a form of determination and courage.
“Compared to when I arrived, I'm playing with more confidence now and my tactical awareness has improved a great deal because this is the school of Italian football – tactics reign supreme here and in that respect I was lacking before.
“But I'm still enjoying myself just as much – when I was out for two months I couldn't wait to return. I think I can say that Italian football is my football now and also that I still have plenty of room for improvement. I understand even better now what I have to do in this game.”