APPIANO GENTILE - A step forward, improving game after game but only with the Nerazzurri. Mateo Kovacic spoke to Mediaset about the recent transfer rumours surrounding him: "I can only repeat what I always say, that I'm happy here and everyone's pleased with how I'm doing. I really like being here. Icardi and I are young players who still have a lot to learn and we can do that with Inter. I've always been positive, even when I wasn't in the team I trained well and I've learned a lot with the coach and his staff.
"I'm doing more for the team this season. It's been a difficult year for everyone, but better than the last. My family have helped me, along with everyone here at La Pinetina. I can't say anyone in particular, maybe Deki who always calls me and Zanetti. Us young players are lucky to work with stars like them.
"My first goal? I really want to because I like scoring goals, but it's tough in Italy to find the space to score goals. Can I promise the fans a goal next season? Absolutely, I have to score of course. Can I become a player like Marek Hamsik? I'm Mateo, Hamsik can definitely do things I can't yet but if I want to score I need to play like I did against Lazio: play passes and get into shooting positions. I'm young, I've got a lot to learn."
Kovacic is in no doubt as to whether the club should move forward with Mazzarri: "All I can say is I've always enjoyed a good relationship with him. He's taught me a lot, how to put my foot in defensively and move when going forward. I think Inter need to go with him for the club to start winning trophies again. Do Inter need to be back in the Champions League places next season? Yes, Inter can't be happy with fifth place, we always need to aim as high as we can."
Finally, Mateo had a word on the upcoming World Cup with Croatia: "I'm thinking about it but there's still the last game of the season against Chievo to play. Next season we need to prepare well to bring Champions League football back to the Meazza."
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