Aleksandar Kolarov ‘didn’t think twice’ when Inter approached Roma for his signature and admits Antonio Conte’s presence ‘certainly influenced’ his decision.
The left-back turns 35 in November and moved from Roma for €1.5m plus bonuses.
“It’s true that I was close to Inter a couple of times before, but I finally managed to arrive,” the Serbia international told Inter TV.
Aleksandar Kolarov ‘didn’t think twice’ when Inter approached Roma for his signature and admits Antonio Conte’s presence ‘certainly influenced’ his decision.
The left-back turns 35 in November and moved from Roma for €1.5m plus bonuses.
“It’s true that I was close to Inter a couple of times before, but I finally managed to arrive,” the Serbia international told Inter TV.
“It was an easy choice for me, as I didn’t think twice when I received the call from the club and happily accepted. I already knew many of the players, we faced off several times as opponents too, so I had a positive impression of them.
“Conte’s presence certainly influenced my decision, as he won straight away when he was in England and last season changed Inter completely. I hope we can do well together and try to win.”
Conte plays a three-man defence, but it is a role Kolarov already adopted at Manchester City on occasion and more recently at Roma.
“I am pretty happy playing as the left centre-back, as I did it at Roma and City with Pep Guardiola too. Seeing as Inter always keep possession for long periods, I am happy there.”
Kolarov had also been linked with Bologna, where he would’ve reunited with old friend Sinisa Mihajlovic.
“He was my idol growing up, when he played for Red Star Belgrade. My destiny could well follow his, perhaps like Mihajlovic I too will end my playing career at Inter.
“As for my free kicks, I have a powerful shot, but you need to keep training and I practice often.”
Image: @inter_en
INTERVIEW
"It wasn't a hard decision to say yes to Inter, I want to give it my all and win with this team"
The first interview from Aleksandar #Kolarov as a Nerazzurri player #WelcomeKolarov #NotForEveryone pic.twitter.com/nCgXEHU2ft
— Inter (@Inter_en) September 10, 2020