Hakan Calhanoglu claims Milan fans want to take pictures with him when they meet him around the city and names Milan Skriniar as the teammate who has impressed him the most.
The Turkey international completed a free transfer to Inter from Milan in the summer. He had spent four seasons with the Rossoneri before moving to the other side of Milan.
Speaking in an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport, Calhanoglu revealed the reaction of Milan fans when they meet him around the city.
“I have met many because I often go to eat with my family at the restaurant,” the 27-year-old said.
“They ask me for photos and say that they love me. I had no problems with anyone at Milan and I am still in contact with my former teammates.”
Milan and Inter will meet in the derby on November 11 and on February 6. Will Calhanoglu celebrate if he scores against his former club?
“If it happens, I’ll do as usual,” the creative midfielder replied.
“I spent four good years at Milan, I have many friends there. There had been tough times too, but the last two seasons were better than the first two,” he continued.
“Inter are a great team. They won the Scudetto and several derbies during my time at Milan. I came here because I like new challenges.
“I wasn’t surprised when they [Inter] called me. With my qualities, I know what I can give to the team, I never thought I could remain without a club.”
The Nerazzurri sold Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi after his signature. Has he ever thought that joining Inter was the wrong choice?
“No, never. It’s normal that it’s complicated to keep the best players who have important offers in a challenging economic moment.
“The club’s good comes before anything else. I am always focused on my work, I knew I had joined a big club.”
The Serie A champions sit second in the table, just two points behind table leaders Napoli who have had a perfect start with five wins from five games.
“Many clubs can fight for the title,” said Calhanoglu.
“Roma and Napoli had a great start, Atalanta are there. We are the favourites after last year’s victory.
“Napoli have quality. Juventus? I prefer to talk about us, everybody respect them and it’s normal to have highs and lows during a season, you never know what can happen over the next few months.”
Who is the teammate who’s impressed him the most?
“There are many top players, so I should mention each one of them. However, if I have to pick one, I say Milan Skriniar. A great person, a great defender with a great character.”
I wish Calha good luck with his career and it’s a shame Milan didn’t get any money from losing him – but Milan are not missing him at all. Now they have pretty much all 11 players on the pitch giving full effort (even Leao is trying more!).
Calha is a proper talent when the games easy, but he’s not the guy you want beside you in a fight.
I don’t wish him ill specifically (unlike a certain other person who left this summer), though since he’s at Inter I certainly can’t wish him luck. He was a decent player for us who sometimes did good things, and other times was anonymous. I wanted rid of him, and Diaz has already proven himself to be better than Hakan in that role. He’s easy to “forgive”, probably because most Milan fans didn’t mind him leaving.
lol
I bet Cashanoglu’s nose grew an inch or two by the end of this interview. Truth is no one here even cares that you’ve left, Dollarumma yes but not you my friend. And you are certainly not “loved” by the Milan fans.
Funniest bit was when he didn’t mention Milan in the race since we have done better than Roma and Atalanta and the same as Inter. Clearly still bitter that he wasn’t offered that one million dollar more.
He hasn’t been good at inter so far. A huge downgrade from Eriksen.
Not worth his huge salary so far. A doubt any Milan fans are losing any sleep over him. Meanwhile inter will be stuck with him due to his high salary
“I spent four good years at Milan”
More like 4 good games. Best of luck to him, we have a decent number 10 now.