Hakan Calhanoglu confirms he rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia, claims he didn’t join Inter from Milan for money as ‘love is more important’ and insists he does ‘not listen’ to what Juventus say.
During his latest interview with Sportmediaset, the Turkey international confirmed that he had rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia.
“Yes, it’s true but my agent never really tells me about these things because he knows I am focused on my work with Inter,” said Calhanoglu.
“I decided not to go anyway because I love Inter. I have an important role. I am grateful to Inter because they’ve made me grow.”
Calhanoglu has recently signed a contract extension with Inter. He joined the Nerazzurri as a free agent from Milan in 2021.
“Everyone thinks I left Milan for the money, but money isn’t everything,” he claimed.
“To me, to feel love is more important, and it’s what I am getting from our fans. This is something that will forever stay in my heart. I have many targets with Inter.
“I remember my first Inter game against Genoa really well. I was a little bit nervous. I was thinking about the fans’ expectations,” he continued.
“I focused entirely on my work. I have trust in myself, I know my qualities, but when the fans give you something, it’s nice to give back. I am happy because it’s not easy to receive this love.”
What does he feel when Milan fans say they won the title after he left while he has yet to lift the Scudetto at Inter?
“I wish them the best, but with patience, we’ll see,” he replied.
The 29-year-old has been deployed as a deep-lying playmaker this season, and Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella has recently said the Inter star is currently the best midfielder in Serie A.
“When I started this season as a regista, I hired a personal coach to work with him on holiday. I watched many videos and when the season began, I was ready,” revealed Calhanoglu.
“It’s not too different from the roles I covered in the past. I can still improve and do even more. I feel confident there and I hope I can do even more.”
What’s Inzaghi’s best quality?
“The way he speaks with the players and how he behaves with us,” argued the Turkish midfielder.
“He always wants to win and gets angry when we slow down. Once the training session finishes, he has a big heart, he is very calm and we can talk about anything with him. He is also growing. You can’t do everything in one year. We arrived at the club at the same moment and we are all growing on the pitch.”
Would he prefer to win the Scudetto or reach another Champions League Final this season? Calhanoglu replied with no hesitation:
“Scudetto!”
So, are Juventus Inter’s most dangerous opponents even if they say their target is to reach the top four?
“I don’t look at them, I only look at Inter and I don’t even listen,” he concluded.
Calhanoglu has scored eight goals and delivered three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this season. His contract with the Nerazzurri expires in June 2027
No such thing as loyalty in football anymore. There will be no more Baresis, Maldinis, Tottis or Del Pieros. Football fans must accept the fact that sooner or later, their favorite players will retire or may switch sides. Players come & go, but the clubs will always remain. Forza Milan !