Robin Gosens reflected on the goosebumps felt when playing at Anfield and the emotional impact of the fans at the Milan derby.

The 27-year-old German wing back joined the Nerazzurri on a four-year deal from Atalanta in the January transfer window, being a much-anticipated reinforcement for Simone Inzaghi’s side. He has hardly featured since the move, struggling to return to full fitness following a hamstring injury.

Speaking to 11Freunde, Gosens first discussed the times that he’s felt goosebumps when stepping out into a football stadium.

“I think every football fan knows that moment of goosebumps when you enter a stadium that you’ve been to for the first time and you’re completely stunned. By the architecture, by the environment, by everything.

“I experienced it for the first time when I was six years old and my godfather took me to see Schalke 04 at the Arena. It was my first time ever at the stadium and it turned me into a Schalke fan, so it shocked me at the time.

“The second time was magical in a different way: Champions League group stage, away to Liverpool, in the middle of the pandemic, so no spectators.

“But when we went to the Anfield stadium for a short training session on the eve of the game, I could imagine the fans singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ at the top of their lungs in front of the empty seats.

“Luckily I experienced it again recently when I was allowed to go back there with Inter. Anfield is definitely one of the most important venues in European football.”

The former Atalanta man commented on the incredible atmosphere surrounding the Milan derby and how that felt with all the fans present this season.

“The most moving experience at the stadium for me was the Derby della Madonnina, when Inter-Milan was played in a San Siro that was sold out for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

“It was the return semi-final of the Coppa Italia, and when we took the bus to the stadium, it was almost impossible to get through because the fans had literally blocked the road. That’s when I started to understand what the derby meant to them.

“But when I went outside to warm up, I was completely speechless, I saw something I had never experienced before. San Siro may be old, but I would say that there are few stadiums that can create such a special atmosphere on a day like this. When 80,000 very excited Italian fans push you forward, you think you can move mountains on the pitch.”

Finally, Gosens looked back at the goal he scored in that derby semi-final.

“We were playing at home, everything was Nerazzurri except the Milan fans’ corner. They were singing songs, waving flags and I was right there in the middle, as an Inter player. Total madness! It was only at that moment that I really understood that this will be my new living room, where I can dribble every other weekend and hopefully make the fans happy every game.

“The choreography turned the stadium into an unforgettable painting. The game was then on the same level, really perfect. In the 70th minute I was finally allowed to play, the atmosphere had made me so hot that I couldn’t wait to get rid of my energy.

“Luckily everything worked out perfectly, less than ten minutes after I came on, Marcelo Brozovic sprinted down the right flank, put the ball into the box where I came in and smashed the ball into the net. It was the 3-0 goal and the game was decided.

“The stadium exploded, we exploded and we went to the final. More was not possible! Absolute goosebumps. And I said to myself that I was totally proud to have made it this far.”

The 27-year-old Gosens, who is contracted to Inter until 2026, has made eight appearances under Inzaghi since the January move, scoring one goal and providing one assist in that time. Fans are excited to see what he’ll be capable of after a full pre-season with his new team.

One thought on “Gosens talks Anfield atmosphere and explosive Milan derby”
  1. Nice. Now tell us about your experience from the derby before that Robin, you know, your real first derby 😂

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