Inter defender Danilo D’Ambrosio expressed his happiness in Milan and commented on Romelu Lukaku’s recent controversial interview.
The 33-year-old Italian defender has played a backup role under coach Simone Inzaghi this season, proving to be a reliable option when required. The player, who has been with the club since 2014, is as fired up as ever in the Lombardy capital.
Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, D’Ambrosio first discussed his attachment to the Nerazzurri shirt.
“For attachment to the shirt, you either have it or you get it playing. And moreover I have always been a serious professional. From the new year I expect growth.
“We must not be satisfied, even if it is more difficult to confirm than to amaze. You can amaze once, but to repeat you need something more.”
He touched on the changes this season under Inzaghi compared to things under previous coach Antonio Conte.
“In the summer many people thought the worst, but in the locker room we were much calmer than outside. A coach has arrived who has given us ideas without taking away the foundations of last year, so far we’ve all done a great job.
“Compared to last year we’re freer on a tactical level and we can make different choices to those we tried out in training, but only if the result makes you play with a smile on your face.”
The 33-year-old Italian defender commented on the title race this season and the team’s work to defend their Scudetto.
“They can catch us if we make mistakes… But Napoli, Atalanta and Milan will be there until the end. It’s convenient to put pressure on us now, but for a long time we were the ones who had to chase.
“When Bastoni plays further forward than Dzeko I worry, I think I have to defend in his place. But the concept of occupying space is guiding us.”
D’Ambrosio made a comment on Lukaku’s recent controversial interview, where he expressed his affection for Inter and desire to return one day.
“Everyone is free to say what they want and every word always has consequences. For us yesterday is the past and tomorrow is the future, only the present counts.
“What counts is today, today’s Inter.”
He refused to discuss if the players want Lukaku to return.
“That’s a question for Marotta or Ausilio. It’s not a topic of conversation between us players.”
Finally, D’Ambrosio discussed the Azzurri and their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar this year.
“I think we’ll make it to the World Cup. I know the squad, I know the atmosphere and the way we play, this time it will be different.”
#Inter, #DAmbrosio: 'Ho detto no a due offerte importanti per rimanere. Qui ho visto il buio, ora siamo rinati. #Lukaku…' https://t.co/JlbZpiVPHp pic.twitter.com/jZZzzqozds
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) January 2, 2022