APPIANO GENTILE – Tonight’s "Prima Serata" is a special one,
exclusively for Inter Channel subscribers: Mateo Kovacic was in the
Nerazzurri’s studios and gave his thoughts to his new fans: "First of all
I want to say hello to everyone. I’m very proud and very grateful to be
appreciated in this way."
The discussion then turned to the pitch. When asked whether he prefers to play
in a 3-man or 4-man midfield, Kovacic simply stated: "It’s all the same to
me. The coach is the one who decides. No matter how I’m fielded you can be sure
I’ll give my best."
Photos of four Croatian greats – Susic, Stoikovic, Prosinecki, Boban – were
then shown in succession to Mateo Kovacic, who explained: "All four of
them are great players, but my favourite is Robert Prosinecki, without a doubt.
Did I know him? A bit," responded the Nerazzurri’s new signing in Italian.
"I received a truly warm reception from everyone. The captain is a really
great player, and he has a big heart as well," said the Croatian
midfielder when speaking about his arrival at Inter. "I was a bit sad, but
at the same time I was really happy about coming to such an important club. I
was also curious about what I’d soon be experiencing. At Dinamo I had a good
relationship with all my team-mates, but I spent the most time with Kelava and
Vida," he continued.
There was one player that Kovacic followed closely as a child. In fact, there
are two when he considers now: "In addition to Prosinecki, I’d say Roberto
Baggio. He was a great champion, and I’d also list Luka Modric along with
him."
Kovacic also spoke about basketball ("I play with my friends, even though
I dedicate most of my time to football"), before explaining what Inter
mean to him: "It’s an honour for me. I’m happy and grateful to those who
made it possible for me to come. I especially want to thank all the fans for
showing me so much support."
Sunday will mark Kovacic’s first time at the San Siro: "I’m very honoured
to be able to play on such an important pitch, and my team-mates and I will
give our all for the win. I hope to score, but what matters most is a win for
the team."
Isabel is the special girl in his life, and when he scores he makes the sign of the cross. Finally, Mateo made a promise: "My next interview will be in Italian. When? We’ll see." Meanwhile, there’s one phrase he’s already mastered: "Hello to all the fans."
