Hakan Calhanoglu feels ‘emotional’ after getting Inter into the Champions League quarter-final. ‘We worked so hard’ to get the better of FC Porto.
The Nerazzurri had to protect the 1-0 first leg lead and they did it for the most part without too many problems until stoppages, when Denzel Dumfries cleared off the line, then Andre Onana fingertipped a header onto the upright.
The Romelu Lukaku goal at San Siro proved enough, as they managed to avoid conceding at all over the two legs against a Porto side who had won their group.
“It’s so emotional, after so many years to be in the quarter-finals. I feel so proud. We made some mistakes, but worked really hard, it was very difficult and congratulations to all my teammates. Great work,” Calhanoglu told Sky Sport Italia.
“Anything can happen in the Champions League. We felt a bit sad after the defeat to Spezia, this can help us get back on our feet. We didn’t score, but worked so hard and what matters is qualifying for the next phase.”
Inter are in the Champions League quarter-final for the first time since 2010, while not since 2005-06 had both Milan and their city cousins reached this stage of the tournament.