Inter midfielder Stefano Sensi became the latest Inter player to do a live question and answer session on the club's social media channels this afternoon and spoke on a range of different topics, firstly by discussing the current lock down situation.
“A lot has changed since the day of our last game, because now obviously everyday life has been disturbed, but we have to stay at home for the common good, it's a difficult situation that hopefully passes quickly,” he began the interview.
Sensi then went on to discuss the relationships that he has with many of his teammates.
“Barella and I got on very well from the start, we knew each other from the National Team, we're similar ages, and we get along well on and off the pitch; he's a great player.
“Overall, I get along well with all my teammates, Brozovic, Barella, Gagliardini, Vecino, Eriksen, Borja Valero, everyone. In general, we're a close-knit team, a really strong group and I miss them all: if I had to give two names, I'd say Brozovic and Handanovic because we tease each other a lot and get on really well.
“Who are the nicest? Brozovic, Barella and Lukaku, but everyone's ready to pull someone's leg at any time.”
Sensi proceeded to discuss some of the most important moments he has experienced during his time on Inter's books so far.
“When I arrived at Inter, I experienced a strange feeling. From the outside I knew I was joining a top club, due to the team and the people who work there, but once you're inside you realise that it's even bigger than you had imagined.
“That's mainly due to the fans who are magnificent and make you feel part of one big family. The moments I remember with the strongest feelings are my first goal at San Siro, I still remember the fans' roar and when they shouted my name I got goosebumps, and then the other time was my entrance onto the pitch in my first league match, I had imagined something like it but seeing the stadium full of black and blue was really impressive.
“It was also great to play against Barcelona, coming from a smaller team to getting to play at the Camp Nou is incredible, I used to follow Barcelona the most so that was doubly exciting.”
Italian national team player Sensi went on to discuss his personal growth and what it is like to work under Antonio Conte.
“Starting in pre-season, I trained with different intensity and movements, Conte's made me grow as a box-to-box midfielder, so I think my improvement this year is down to the manager.”
Sensi has had well documented injury issues this term and then spoke on how it has affected him to miss large spells on the sidelines.
“The injury period? I didn't cope that well because an injury is always something negative, especially if it takes as long as I did to recover. Seeing my teammates training and playing while I had to sit in the stands wasn't as nice as playing but I'm happy that that's all behind me now.”
He then went on to discuss the influence that Italy manager Roberto Mancini and Sassuolo manager Roberto De Zerbi have had on him.
“They were both important manager for me, De Zerbi made me grow a lot, and he gave me confidence in Serie A. While Mancini did the same, he gave me confidence by calling me up to the national team and that helped me improve.”
Sensi then went on to speak about his personal life, including how he came to meet his girlfriend Giulia.
“I met Giulia in Cesena as we had two mutual friends. I didn't want to go, but a friend of mine convinced me and I met her there, so it was fate. We got a panda tattoo together because it was always our symbol, our lucky charm.
“Since I was a kid, another passion of mine besides football has always been tennis, it's a sport I follow a lot. As a person, I would define myself as sociable and nice, and as a footballer I prefer not to give myself a definition because I still have to mature a lot and I don't want to label myself now.”
He concluded the interview by revealing the footballing idols he looked up to as a youngster and what he is hoping to achieve in the future.
“My favourite ever midfield would be made up of Pirlo, Iniesta and Xavi. Xavi has always been my idol, while Iniesta and Pirlo are also two unreal midfielders.
“Would I prefer to win the Champions League or World Cup? If I could choose both, of course I would. The Champions League with Inter and the World Cup with the national team. As far as I'm concerned, I'm happy to have made it this far but I can never lack ambition, so I want to work hard and do more to improve myself.”
Source: m.allfootballapp.com