Inter defender Denzel Dumfries reveals that he snubbed a move to Everton to join the Nerazzurri in the summer.
Inter signed the Dutch defender to replace Achraf Hakimi who had joined PSG in a €70m deal.
“It took some time to close the deal, but when it happened, I had goosebumps,” the 25-year-old told Voetbal International.
“I was talking to [my agent Mino] Raiola every day, I strongly wanted to join Inter. I had an offer from Everton, but I didn’t think twice about coming here.
“They have a great tradition in Italy and Europe and they are the champions of Italy.
“The city of Milan also had an impact on my choice,” the defender continued.
“[In November] I played the first derby of Milan in my career and it was incredible. The stadium was full. These are things you dream about when you are a footballer.
“Now, due to COVID restrictions, stadiums are not always full, but I am looking forward to playing in sold-out stadiums. It’s so bad to play behind closed doors.”
Dumfries has signed a contract until 2025, but he’s taken some time to adapt to Italian football.
He started just three of the opening 11 Serie A games with the Nerazzurri this season, but he has scored his first two goals with Inter in December, starting three games out of four.
The Nerazzurri were coping without the injured Matteo Darmian, but Dumfries made sure his absence was not felt.
“I had many problems at the beginning because what I do here is different from what I used to do in Holland,” he said.
“For example, I used to cut inside when the ball was on the right, here it’s prohibited. I can’t do that and I must remain wide. I’ve worked a lot and I have learned. There is a lot of focus on tactics in Italy and at Inter.”
The Netherlands international has reunited with his compatriot Stefan de Vrij at San Siro.
“That’s his fourth season at Inter and it’s nice to have him here because he can help me and explain what they expect from me tactically,” Dumfries concluded.
Voor Denzel Dumfries is 2021 een bijzonder jaar. Hij was dé uitblinker bij Oranje tijdens het EK, maakte een droomtransfer naar Internazionale en wordt een dezer dagen voor de tweede keer vader. VI zocht hem op in Milaan. (PRO) https://t.co/13PN8FE6Ch
— Voetbal International (@VI_nl) December 22, 2021
Does he really have to explain why he chose Milan over Liverpool?