Davide Santon still has hopes for making Italy’s squad for this summer’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.
Versatile full-back Santon broke on to the international stage at a young age, being handed a full debut at just 18 in 2009 and travelling to South Africa as part of the Azzurri’s 2009 Confederations Cup squad.
Davide Santon still has hopes for making Italy’s squad for this summer’s European Championships in Poland and Ukraine.
Versatile full-back Santon broke on to the international stage at a young age, being handed a full debut at just 18 in 2009 and travelling to South Africa as part of the Azzurri’s 2009 Confederations Cup squad.
However, the youngster subsequently fell away from first-team contention at both domestic and national-team level through injury and a decline in confidence. After a loan spell with Cesena last season, the Italian left Inter last summer for Premier League side Newcastle United.
“In England I am fine, I’m playing with continuity and I always do better,” reflected Santon in La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I have to continue like this, I want to take every playing opportunity to help get noticed by [Cesare] Prandelli. The European Championships are a dream, but I believe.”
Santon also spoke of the faith shown in him by Coaches through his career, even if he didn’t believe Inter shared that belief.
“I like [Alan] Pardew because he appreciates the young players, whilst [Jose] Mourinho also remains in my heart. He is perhaps the world’s number one.
“Perhaps Inter could have protected their younger players better. However, I’m not angry. I could go back, even if for now I’m happy at Newcastle.”