Eder reveals it was “an easy decision” between Inter and Leicester City, thanking Sampdoria for “helping me mature.”
The Italian-Brazilian forward completed the transfer today, on a two-year loan with option to buy for a reported total €13m.
“Joining Inter at the age of 29 means so much sacrifice before, but also an enormous opportunity. I’ve been in Italy for 11 years and know the history of the club, so I realise the responsibility of this move.
Eder reveals it was “an easy decision” between Inter and Leicester City, thanking Sampdoria for “helping me mature.”
The Italian-Brazilian forward completed the transfer today, on a two-year loan with option to buy for a reported total €13m.
“Joining Inter at the age of 29 means so much sacrifice before, but also an enormous opportunity. I’ve been in Italy for 11 years and know the history of the club, so I realise the responsibility of this move.
“I thank the club and President Erick Thohir for giving me this big opportunity,” said Eder in a Press conference.
Leicester City also had a proposal accepted by Sampdoria, but the player was told to choose.
“Leicester were interested too, but I spoke to Mancini and in all honesty didn’t think much when I found out Inter were interested. I know the importance of the club and shirt, so it was an easy decision, especially as it allowed me to stay in Italy.
“There was interest in August, we talked, but nothing happened. I am happy to be here now. Everyone at Inter showed how much they wanted me here and it is a very important club.
“I leave Sampdoria after almost five years with my head held high, as I always gave 100 per cent. Of course many fans were disappointed that I left, but I had a wonderful time there and can only thank Sampdoria, President Ferrero and the supporters who always treated me well.
“It was a difficult situation when I first arrived, the team was in Serie B, but they made me feel important and helped me to mature.”
Mancini recently criticised Mauro Icardi and Stevan Jovetic for their work-rate, but that won’t be an issue with Eder.
“I think goals are important, but so is sacrificing yourself for the team. For example, Jose Callejon has one Serie A goal for Napoli, but they are top of the table also thanks to the work he does. The team victory is the most important thing, so every player has to work and sacrifice himself for the squad.
“In the past I didn’t look after myself the way I do now. When I had the chance to go to Sampdoria at the age of 24, I thought this was my now or never moment to change mentality. I’ve become more professional, I arrive an hour before training and leave an hour later, look after myself off the field with my diet and all that helps bring results.”
In 2009 Wesley Sneijder had one training session with Inter before making a sensational debut in Inter’s 4-0 win over Milan. Could he follow in those footsteps?
“The derby doesn’t need to be fired up. I know what this fixture means. I’ve played almost every game this season with Samp and am in good shape, so I’m at Mancini’s disposal.
“In recent years I’ve played centre-forward, on the right or behind a striker, so I am available for any role really.
“Inter have done really well this season and proved they can challenge for the Scudetto. I’ve come to help the Coach, be another option in attack and when needed I’ll be ready to give my contribution.”
Eder will wear shirt number 23 for Inter.
“I always liked 7, but the day I arrived at Samp during the journey I saw a road sign that it was 23km to Genoa and that shirt was free. Then Andrea Ranocchia went to Samp and left behind the Number 23, so I asked him if I could take it.”
Image via @inter