Inter striker Marcus Thuram named Ronaldo and Adriano as his inspirations ahead of the clash with Napoli and reflected on the painful World Cup final loss to Argentina.
The 26-year-old Frenchman has shined in his debut season for the Nerazzurri, even if he missed a crucial chance in the recent Champions League Round of 16 loss to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening, a painful moment for the striker and fans.
Thuram has quickly formed a formidable partnership with Lautaro Martinez and has proven to be a key cog in Simone Inzaghi’s system at Inter, scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists in 26 Serie A matches this term.
Speaking in the matchday programme via TMW, Thuram first reflected on his footballing journey so far.
“All the moments I’ve experienced with a ball at my feet are part of my story, from when I was a child I went onto the pitch with my father to play after matches, to my time at Barcelona, to my first professional match at Sochaux in 2015.
“I remember that I came on more or less in the 80th minute, the adrenaline was a lot, but it was nice, it’s an exciting memory.
“At Borussia, on the other hand, I grew a lot as a man and a player because I entered European competitions, I played great matches, and I made my debut in the senior national team.”
He was asked about some of his favourite Nerazzurri players and his sporting inspirations.
“Ronaldo was one of my favourites, my parents always told me that in order for me to leave a blanket that I always carried with me as a child they had to tell me that they would give it to him and only then was I convinced to hand it over!
“And then Adriano was one, I liked everything he did on the pitch, and I always dreamed of one day being a striker like him. Outside of football? LeBron James, simply the best.”
The 26-year-old Frenchman remembered the painful 2022 World Cup final loss to Argentina.
“The World Cup final that we lost. It’s a date that I’ll remember for life, it was very hard to lose, it’s a moment that taught me a lot.”
Finally, Thuram was asked about his brother Khephren, who has been linked with a long list of clubs around Europe recently.
“My brother is a point of reference.”