Inter forward Marcus Thuram opened up about his first half-season in Serie A, his work with Simone Inzaghi and the lasting impact of the 2022 World Cup final.
The 26-year-old French forward has quickly proven himself to be one of the coups of last summer’s transfer window, playing a vital role in the Nerazzurri’s near flawless campaign in Serie A and the Champions League this term.
Thuram has scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists in 32 matches across all competitions, quickly forming a formidable partnership with Inter talisman Lautaro Martinez, and he’s already fast becoming a fan favourite.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera via Calciomercato.com, Thuram first discussed his positive mindset and light-hearted approach to life.
“I’ve always been cheerful, since I was little. Happy with life, with everything. And even more so on the pitch, with my teammates, doing what I love most I always want to have a smile.
“It’s true that sometimes not everything goes as I would like, but I think the most important thing is to improve and work, always with a smile. Because there are many serious things in life. But when I was little, people didn’t understand and didn’t always appreciate my way of being.
“Not everyone liked my cheerfulness and comparisons were always made with my father. Growing up with him was wonderful, but it wasn’t an advantage. I sleep a lot, about 14 hours a day. But after the games I struggle more, especially when we win.”
He was asked if he should be more serious like Lautaro and how his first few months at Inter have gone.
“No, maybe it’s Lautaro who should smile a little more! There are many different characters, and everyone is needed to make a great team. At Inter we really love playing together, we are a very united group.
“I arrived in July, but it seems like I’ve been here for many years. When I arrived at Inter I didn’t hear what people were saying. I arrived to help the team, I had spoken with Piero (Ausilio, ed.) already two years ago, then the injury stopped me.
“All that mattered was what he and the coach thought about me. I worked, I also listened to my teammates a lot, and I’m happy with what I’m doing. I’m very, very hungry to win. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here at Inter. I want to win everything there is to win and help the team.
“Every day the World Cup final in Qatar weighs on me.”
The French striker named Karim Benzema as his on-pitch inspiration.
“As a child everyone told me that one day, I would be a number 9, but I didn’t like it very much. I wanted to be on the wing, dribble, catch the ball.
“Last year at the beginning of the season I had an argument with my father, we said things to each other, and I chose to play centre forward. I like Benzema a lot, he’s an inspiration for sure. And one day I’d like to get to his level, I’ll try.”
The 26-year-old spoke about his relationship with Inter coach Inzaghi.
“Here in Italy, I have learned a lot and I hope to learn a lot more. I can grow everywhere, in dribbling, in running, in defence, in shooting. I often stop after training to do extra work, on the pitch and with the videos.
“I’ve improved a lot in positioning without the ball, because here in Italy you work a lot tactically and you learn that a movement can help a teammate. I’m becoming a little more aggressive in the area and I’m trying to attack the goal differently.”
Thuram discussed the recent racist abuse suffered by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
“I spoke to Mike after Udinese-Milan. What happened was something bad, but not something new. Leaving the pitch was the right gesture, even by the teams. Let’s hope we can progress, because these are things that have been repeating themselves for a long time and nothing seems to change.”
Finally, Thuram spoke about his brother Kephren and if he was better suited to Serie A or the Premier League.
“Everywhere. For me, a footballer who can do well in Italy can also do it in England, Italian football is no less strong. Kephren is stronger than me.”
#Inter, #Thuram: ‘#Lautaro, ridi! Mio fratello è più forte di me, dormo 14 ore al giorno per raggiungere #Benzema‘ https://t.co/YGHeMR1ck9
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) February 15, 2024