EXCLUSIVE Former Inter youth Bonazzoli: 'I hope to play for Juventus one day'
The former Inter academy product sat down to talk about his ambitions of playing for Juventus one day, his memories of Inter, Walter Mazzarri... and Massimo Ferrero. Read on!
Calciomercato: Juventus often sends her scouts to watch its players, as well as yourself and Di Francesco. What do you know of this?
Federico Bonazzoli: They're just rumours, but when I am linked to Juventus I am proud of it. It's hardly a novelty that it's a club with great history.
All I'm thinking about is playing, it all depends on me. I hope to play for Juventus one day, it's an historic club.
You've had the chance to play with Mauro Icardi. What do you remember of him?
I fortunately got to spend a lot of time with the first team and I have an excellent relationship with Mauro. I learned from him, especially when it comes to moving on the pitch. He's a good guy, a generous person, he helped us young players a lot, even to fit in better into the group.
Do you feel more like a pure striker, or as a second one?
I like to run everywhere. I play to score, I consider myself to be a centre forward but I try to help the team, too.
You mean the same characteristics as Eder, your team-mate at Sampdoria...
He's an exceptional guy, always smiling and there for you. He's doing some good things on the pitch,
he's having a great season. He's definitely emerged as a big player now, maybe some weren't expecting it.
With all the talent that he possesses, it's only a matter of time before he gets back to scoring.
You've been quite the precocious star, playing in the Europa League at 16, the second-youngest Nerazzurro ever after Pellegrini. Do you think the Golden Boy etiquette has weighed you down?
No, not at all. It's only fair that a players is praised for doing things right. You need to keep your feet on the ground, always try to do well, and avoid letting things go to your head
I don't think I'm anyone special, I'm only 18 years old, I have a lot to prove and my whole career in front of me.
What do you remember of your starting debut against Saint-Etienne, back when Walter Mazzarri was manager?
It was fantastic, there were 50.000 fans in the stands at the San Siro. I've always said that I'll be eternally grateful to Walter, he gave me a unique chance. It's one of the nicest things that have happened to me.
Every now and then I go back and check out the pictures from that game, playing for Inter is something I'm very proud of.
What type of Coach is Mazzarri?
He studies games in detail, his teams are always very organized. I owe him a lot, I hope to see him coach again soon, it would be bizarre if he wasn't. I was very happy under his tenure, I wasn't expecting to be treated like a first-teamer. I have some great memories of him.
Do you have any regrets about your eventual move to Sampdoria?
I experienced it knowing that it's a footballer's lot. I think the club has to take care of both its interests and ours.
Are you not disappointed?
No, it was a choice I made with Inter. I have no regrets, I gave 100% for Inter. The club was exemplary towards me, too, it put me in a situation where I could do my best. I'm happy, I know I made the right chice. I have a good relationship with Inter, you don't bite off the hand that has fed you.
At age 16, you are the youngest player to ever represent Italy's Under 21s, could Lanciano be your way of becoming a starter for Luigi Di Biagio?
Of course, a player is only half fulfilled with a national side. Everyone dreams of playing for the Azzurri, me most of all. I know that if I work hard at Virtus, things will come, bit by bit. It's one of my objectives.
You've met Sampdoria president Ferrero, a bit of a character...
He's a good person, he really cares about Sampdoria. We was pretty much a father to use, he was at the Bogliasco training complex every day. I can only thank him, he wanted me at the club".
Translated by Edo Dalmonte (@EdoDalmonte)
