Hakan Calhanoglu is ‘very happy’ to have joined Inter after leaving their arch rivals Milan for free. ‘I want to win something during my time in Italy.’
The midfielder has been at San Siro since 2018, but his contract ran down and he rejected a €4m plus bonuses deal to extend with the Rossoneri.
Instead, he signed on with Inter for €1m more per year in wages, completing the deal until June 2024 today.
“I am very happy, being at Inter is a big deal,” he told Inter TV.
“It’s a great team, great club, great atmosphere and great fans. I know what it means to come here, it’s a strong sensation.
“We want to win the Scudetto, just like last season.”
Milan were top of the table at the midway stage, but Inter surged out in front to take the Serie A title.
“My first year in Italy was very difficult for me, as I didn’t speak the language. I learned and made many friends in the city of Milan, including off the field.
“I played very well with Stefano Pioli in the last year, as I was able to play in my role.”
Calhanoglu moves from Pioli’s 4-2-3-1 formation to Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 approach, where he is expected to replicate Luis Alberto’s role for Lazio.
“I have already spoken to Inzaghi. I know his tactical system and I really like the conversation we had, I heard some wonderful things.
“Inter have big objectives and I like that. I want to win something during my time in Italy.”
He made 172 competitive appearances in the Rossoneri jersey, scoring 32 goals and providing 48 assists.
“I prefer to provide assists rather than score goals, as I don’t have that egotism of wanting to score at all costs. The team comes first.
“I want to bring quality and quantity. I know that I have to work hard, because nobody just gives you a starting shirt. If you suffer and work hard, you will always get your chance.”
Calhanoglu spoke with former Inter player and fellow Turkey international Emre Belozoglu.
“We talked about it, he said good things about Inter, that you work well here and are organised in every area. He told me Inter is a great club and I should enjoy myself.”
#WELCOMEHAKAN@hakanc10 pic.twitter.com/cNDfAT0nTf
— Inter (@Inter_en) June 22, 2021
🎙 | INTERVISTA
Ai microfoni di @Inter_TV ecco le prime parole di @hakanc10 da nerazzurro! #WelcomeHakan pic.twitter.com/3Mfe48NNQW
— Inter (@Inter) June 22, 2021