André Onana says ‘all parties’ wanted his Manchester United transfer, but insists he’ll be an ‘Interista forever’ and refuses to rule out a return to Stadio Meazza one day.
The Cameroon international is set to join the Red Devils on a permanent €55m deal including add-ons. He will soon undergo his medical with the Premier League giants.
“I am feeling well, I recharged at home, in Cameroon and then I met my teammates at Appiano Gentile,” the 27-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Now I am looking forward to starting this new adventure with a coach that is a mentor to me. I’ll join a big league and a big club with an enormous history like Inter. I’ll start from scratch and give my all every day to show the fans who I am.”
Onana will reunite with his ex-Ajax coach Erik ten Hag who has been pushing for his signature for several months.
The Cameroon international spent just one season at Inter, but has built a solid bond with clubs and fans.
“A part of my heart is sad,” he admitted.
“Leaving Inter means leaving a family, not an ordinary team. I learned that playing for Inter is a way of being and living life.
“It’s important to be honest and tell people the truth. I am a person who always wants new challenges. Playing in the Premier League for a club like Manchester United is compelling. All parties wanted to make it happen,” he admitted.
“If I had stayed I would have been happy anyway because I never had problems at Inter, on the contrary, there was a magic that is difficult to explain.
“I know I can travel around the world, but it will be difficult to find fans like those of Inter,” Onana continued.
“They gave me emotions that I will never forget. In some games, I had the feeling there were 80,000 people playing, not just 11. It was a privilege to experience it.”
The Champions League Final against Manchester City on June 10 was the last Inter game for Onana so he was asked what he felt after the defeat in Istanbul.
“Pride and sadness, you don’t know how much I’d have loved to bring the cup to Milan and celebrate with our fans,” he replied.
“We came close, we played against Manchester City keeping our heads high. I hope I can win the Champions League with Manchester United, but I also hope Inter will reach the Final again and win it. All fans deserve it.
“Perhaps, the most thrilling week was the one of the Champions League semis. The stadium was shaking. It was also nice to celebrate the Coppa Italia by singing and dancing with our fans. They call it ‘Pazza Inter’, I am a bit crazy too and it’s the best definition in the world.”
Onana went on by thanking his teammates who helped him settle quickly in at the Stadio Meazza.
“I was on good terms with everyone, but I can name real friends such as Hakan Calhanoglu, Alex Cordaz, Romelu Lukaku and Denzel Dumfries. I want to mention another one, Samir Handanovic. His task was tricky, but he was always correct with me. His tips made me improve and I’ll remember them in this new adventure in Manchester.
“I want to thank everyone working at Pinetina, club directors, the President and teammates, and most importantly, the fans. I played in Milan for one year, but I’ll be an Interista forever. Now I’ll support Inter in front of the TV. I wish Inter can win the Scudetto, which we missed. I know they want the second star so much. Hopefully, it’s the right time to place it on the chest!”
Onana will sign a long-term deal with the Red Devils but refuses to rule out a return to Inter one day.
“Who knows, life is unpredictable. Perhaps, one day I’ll be back too,” he said.
“I am sure people will embrace me because they’ve known me. Meantime I’ll never stop singing a chant that I like so much: ‘For all the kilometres I did with you, Internazionale you must win.'”