Inter star Hakan Calhanoglu is uninterested in winning the Serie A title against city rivals Milan but admits he felt pressure ‘for the first time’ before taking a penalty kick against Udinese.
The Turkey international found the net in Inter’s 2-1 win over Udinese on Monday which means the Nerazzurri remain 14 points above Milan in the Serie A table. and could win the title in the derby at San Siro on April 22.
“I felt pressure for the first time because we were down,” Calhanoglu told Sky Sport Italia.
“I was very focused tonight. I took a low penalty kick because Udinese’s keeper is particularly tall. I always speak about it with [Yann] Sommer. I always try to train on this. I am happy. When the target is close, attention must be even higher.”
Calhanoglu is a former Milan midfielder who joined the Nerazzurri at the end of his contract with the Rossoneri in 2021. Now he can win the title against his former club.
“I don’t like to talk about the past. I am on good terms with some of my ex-teammates,” he admitted.
“What happened is in the past. I remained silent, and I only thought about my teammates and the Inter fans who are always with me.”
DAZN Italy also asked Calhanoglu whether winning the title against the Diavoli would make a difference to him.
“I don’t talk about this. I don’t want to add fire,” he replied.
“I want to remain quiet. I wish the best to Milan. I am on good terms with Maldini and Massara, but the Milan book is closed now, and to me, it makes no difference to win the derby in the derby or later. I am happy because I’ll win the first Scudetto with Inter and because we want to get a historic second star with Inter.”
Calhanoglu has 12 goals and three assists in 35 appearances across all competitions with Inter this term. He signed a contract extension at the Meazza less than a year ago and his deal with the Serie A giants expires in 2027.