APPIANO GENTILE - A goal to round off a very special evening. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Hernanes explained the emotions he felt during last Saturday's match against his ex-side Lazio, scoring against them, and Javier Zanetti’s farewell to the fans at the San Siro.
"I had already decided not to celebrate if I happened to score a goal against them, so there was a bit on my mind," began the Brazilian midfielder. "It was my first goal at the San Siro and I was worried about forgetting that promise I had made to myself out of respect for my ex-team-mates. It was difficult not to celebrate because it was an important goal; important for myself and also for Zanetti’s farewell. What will Inter be like without the captain? I see him as someone who is 40 years old, yet continues to train at 100%. So he’s always ready. It’s really made an impression on me to think about how many sacrifices he’s made to maintain his mental and physical form. During the celebration I could see the love and respect the fans and club have for him. This is something that has motivated me even more."
When asked to rate how the current season has gone Hernanes gave it a 6 out of 10, before then discussing his dreams: "When I came here I said I wouldn’t think about lofty goals, but that I’d work hard and sweat, since that’s how you win things. That’s what I’ve done, and I’m doing all I can to improve. But some important things have already come along: my first goal at the San Siro and a call-up to the World Cup with Brazil. Big things have come along, so it shows I was right. I’ll stay focused with my team."
Regarding Walter Mazzarri and the jeers he received before the Inter v Lazio kick-off: "A lot of strange things happen in football, and because the results aren’t always visible right away people are quick to boo. In certain games we lacked things and the fans whistled at us. It’s the kind of thing that can happen in a season like this, but it wasn’t easy to achieve the goal that he did. These things can happen. Is he the right man for next season? Yes, definitely. I really hope to be here with him since he’s a coach who can do a lot for Inter."
The discussion then turned to the World Cup and the big news when he was named to Scolari’s squad: "I felt unbelievably happy since it’s been a lifelong goal to be part of something like this. I’m thrilled and proud to have reached this moment in my career. For a Brazilian player, there’s nothing higher than playing for your national team at the World Cup. Scolari’s decision to leave out Kaká? When I used to play videogames he was already world class. I used to call him ‘the monster’. He’ll always be a great player for me. It wasn’t a surprise that Scolari left him out. I believe he had already built his team gradually and was consistent in the choices he was making day by day."
The Seleção will play their first match against Kovacic’s Croatia side: "He’s a great player and in top form right now. He’s showing his talent. If you ask me who the favourites are I’d have to say Brazil, along with Argentina, Germany and some others, since the teams with great tradition make the difference at the World Cup. I don’t fear any side. I’ve always been taught to respect everyone but fear no one. The teams that could surprise people? I’d say Chile and Croatia, but I hope they don’t do it against us [smiling]. They have a team with some big names. Is the country ready to host the World Cup? I believe so. More than 50 years have passed since our last one and today it will certainly be better. We also hope that people around the world are feeling the same way when it comes to having an unforgettable tournament."
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