Samir Handanovic discussed the return of Romelu Lukaku, the importance of keeping Milan Skriniar and his relationship with new shot stopper Andre Onana.
The 38-year-old Slovenian goalkeeper officially signed a one-year contract renewal with the Nerazzurri earlier this month, ready to hand off the baton to new arrival Onana. Handanovic has continued to be a reliable and strong shot stopper for Inter and he’ll likely retain his starting spot for a large part of next season.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Handanovic first discussed his relationship with Inter and history with the club.
“For me being at Inter since 2012 is honour and responsibility, but also belonging, identity. If I have stayed so long it is because I’m happy here and there has been continuous growth, mine and the club’s.
“I never got tired, passion and hunger matter. There is history here, I knew that after the hard times the victories would come.”
He gave his thoughts on the return of Lukaku from Chelsea following his €115m move last summer.
“His return didn’t surprise me because I saw how he was at Chelsea, I listened to his famous interview, you could feel melancholy and nostalgia. You always have to know what locker room you go to and Rom knew that ours is healthy, cheerful, positive.
“In life you often choose economic reasons in the beginning, but then well-being always takes over. If you are happy on one side, it’s normal you want to go back. I didn’t say anything to him, it wasn’t necessary.
“Rather I tease him, he still gets angry if he misses a little game! It’s as if he never left, he is the same person as before, then on the player the pitch will speak.”
The Slovenian made it clear that he didn’t want to lose Skriniar, who has heavily been linked with a move to PSG this summer.
“For me it is fundamental that he stays with us. We cannot lose any more pieces. I see him every day calm and serene in Appiano.”
The Inter captain discussed the arrival of Onana, who signed after his contract expired with Ajax earlier this month.
“We all know that everyone wants to play, it is right and healthy that way. It’s normal competition, it’s good for everyone. We are very different, he comes from the Barça school and I from the Italian school.
“Without going into technicalities, there are different approaches in the position, in the way of positioning in the goal and saving. But also this diversity is good.
“There are so many close matches, anything can happen, and the coach always decides. But from this competition of ours the team benefits because it has two strong goalkeepers.”
Finally, Handanovic discussed former teammate Ionut Radu, who joined Cremonese on loan earlier this month.
“In Bologna it was a huge disappointment and bitterness, but that’s life. And a season never depends on one game. I didn’t say anything to him that night, I talked to him the next day.
“I told him that episode will make him grow as a goalkeeper, but more importantly as a man. Ionut needs to know that he will make mistakes, like everyone else, but that he has a chance to show qualities.”