During his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Hakan Calhanolgu admitted feeling underrated: ‘Those in the Premier League have more visibility, but I am in Europe’s top 5 in my role.’

The Turkey international has become one of the idols in the black and blue half of Milano following his free transfer from Milan in 2021.

“Let’s put it this way. I am an idol for half of the city, and the other half hates me,” he told Gazzetta.

“On the same day, I can hear insults from Milan fans and chants from Inter supporters. It’s what football is about. My character helps me go beyond these things.”

Both Inter and Milan won the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Porto and Tottenham respectively. Would Calhanoglu like to face his ex-club in Europe?

“A lot, it would be historical,” he admitted.

Despite his three goals and six assists across all competitions this season, Inter find themselves 18 points below table leaders Napoli, but the Nerazzurri were the only team capable of beating Luciano Spalletti’s men in Serie A so far this season.

“Nobody expected Inter to be this far behind. Napoli deserve to be up there and we saw that in the Champions League, but it’s our fault, like last season,” said Calha.

“We would have been closer had we not thrown away points against Monza, Empoli, Samp and Bologna. Those hurt!

“What was the problem? It’s hard to explain. I also ask myself why. If we beat the top sides, it means we are really strong, but sometimes we lack proper determination against smaller teams. That’s where we must improve, all together. Motivation and commitment in certain games.

“I think nobody will catch Napoli, but we must play with the right commitment until the end, the same we had against Porto,” he continued.

“We want to win the Coppa Italia and we can be a surprise in the Champions League.”

Inter will visit Porto in the second leg of the Champions League Round f 16 on March 14. What do they need to qualify for the quarter-finals?

“It will be a battle, in a stadium that I know well,” noted Calhanoglu.

“We lost the World Cup play-off against Portugal there, missing a penalty kick. I dream of winning the Champions League, hopefully, this year. I know it isn’t easy, but if we go through anything can happen. We need the same performance as at Nou Camp.”

READ MORE – CALHANOGLU DROPS INTER TRANSFER HINT FOR BARCELONA MIDFIELDER KESSIÉ

Despite his convincing performance with Inter, Calhanoglu is often not mentioned among the best midfielders in Europe, but does he feel he’s at the same level as some of the greatest such as Luka Modric, Kevin De Bruyne, Casemiro and Pedri?

“I feel underrated. I am not too far from the players you mentioned,” he admitted.

“I see myself among the top 5 players in Europe in my role. I am saying it with humility and awareness. Sometimes players in the Premier League have more visibility.

“I’ve improved in any aspect. I am more mature off the pitch. This is my best season. From the very first day here, I felt something different. I felt everyone wanted me. Fans have given me the motivation. Now I feel free, they support me also when I make mistakes.

“I’ve taken another mental step after the earthquake in Turkey which has shaken me. Now I am more emotional on the pitch. I feel I have to give my best for those suffering.

“We’ve recently had a conference call with the [Turkish] Federation. We’ll help provide containers for the homeless and I am personally trying to involve foundations and Turkish sportsmen to help orphans. We’ll support them until they are 18, it will be our best goal.”

Calhanoglu’s contract ends in 2024, but the Nerazzurri are ready to offer a new deal until 2027.

“I am proud Inter want to extend. I want to stay here in Milan also after the end of my playing career. Perhaps opening a 100% Turkish restaurant which we still don’t have here,” concluded the 29-year-old.

One thought on “Inter: Calhanoglu feels underrated and ‘close to Modric and De Bruyne’”
  1. Sorry Hakan but saying you’re not far from Modric and De Bruyne is the most deluded thing I have heard from you.

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