Inter defender Matteo Darmian admits he owes ‘a lot’ to his former club Milan and hopes to return to Italy national team.
The 32-year-old is a regular starter at San Siro but missed the last few games with a muscular injury.
“We always have fun and we feel well together,” Darmian told La Stampa newspaper.
“We have created something important under many points of view, in terms of mentality and desire to win. It was great to win the title last season and we want to repeat ourselves this term.”
Denzel Dumfries has proved more than a mere replacement for the Italian defender who does not fear competition.
“Competition is normal in a top club,” said Darmian. “Our duty is to make the coach’s choices difficult.”
A product of Milan academy, Darmian looked at his past and revealed he hopes to return to the national team in the future.
“I owe a lot to Milan. I was a boy when I arrived and I turned into a man. I needed regular playing time at 19, so we decided to take different paths by mutual consent,” he revealed.
“Now, I am happy to be at Inter and it would be an honour to play for the national team again.
“I remember the unforgettable experience of the 2014 World Cup, but for coach Roberto Mancini is making different decisions.
“When we played the World Cup play-offs in 2017, I hit the post in a game against Sweden. I still remember it, but this time Italy can make it especially after winning the Euros.”
I would welcome his inclusion. We need a committed team for these Playoffs.
Any word on the returns of Verratti and Spina?
I was a boy when I arrived and I turned into a man
When he was a boy he missed a pen on Khan during Conte’s Euro and out of frustration kicked the ball to the rafter
Now that he is a man I’m afraid that ball may end up on the moon
No tank u, too fruity
Khan?
Pretty sure Oliver Kahn was long retired and Manuel Neuer was in there. I forgot he took a PK. More people were annoyed with Zaza’s runup.
Before he was injured, I have watched him play for Inter and he really has improved a lot. I do not know why he wasn’t chosen at Man U. I think Mancio should choose players that are fully fit and want to go to the WC and not rely on those that won the Euros.
I like Darmian. Not an explosive player, but a smart, versatile, reliable player who defends well and attacks well, and is a solid member of a team.
It was rare to see him play at Man Utd, but I always thought he did okay when he did play. He’s a far better player than Wan-Bissaka (£50m) will ever be. But then they let Jonny Evans go for nothing, when he’s far better than Maguire (£80m). Transfer business and fees that can scarcely be believed.