APPIANO GENTILE – The time has come for Luca Castellazzi to say goodbye to Inter. Or perhaps more than a goodbye it's an "Until next time", because you never know when your paths might cross again in different circumstances. Four seasons and 36 appearances in the Nerazzurri jersey: Luca looked back on his time at the club and bid farewell to his team-mates during an interview with Inter Channel today.
We've come to the end of the season and it's time for goodbye after four years at Inter. What's the first thought that comes into your mind?
"It's been four marvellous and intense years so it's a shame to say goodbye, but we're professionals and this is part of what being a footballer is about. You keep the memories, and they're very good memories. You might part ways, because we all have our own path to follow, but I'm happy because I spent four wonderful seasons at an exceptional club and I'll remember it for the rest of my life."
Is there anyone in particular you want to thank for these years you've spent at Inter?
"I'd like to say thank you to my team-mates in general - I've had lots and I've really enjoyed my time with them. I think they appreciated me too and everyone respected me. Then there are all the people we see every day: the physios, the doctors, everyone who works at the Pinetina, you guys at Inter Channel, the guardian angels of our training sessions. Everyone who's been by our side and done their bit to help us try to get a result on the Sunday. Everyone who contributed to the good of Inter in some way or other."
How do you think you've changed or matured?
"I got to play a lot as back-up keeper in the first two years because Julio Cesar was unfortunate with injuries in his last two seasons here. Last year I was much less involved because of the shoulder injury I had, so I wasn't so much a part of the team: I trained at different times, with the physios and the doc. This year I was third keeper, a new role for me, one in which you don't feel completely involved in the game because you know that a near-catastrophe would have to occur for you to play! I tried to help the group in different ways. I still gave 100% in training during the week, as if I was going to play, and I think that's something people will remember me for. Then on Sunday I'd help maintain the right level of tension in those who were playing, as I wasn't."
What will you miss most about Inter?
"I'll miss the friendships because I think and I hope that I'm leaving on great terms with everyone. I'll miss the day-to-day relationships with people on the pitch and off it. It's sad because those are the first things you miss, the things you take for granted. Then of course San Siro, and that's something I was thinking about during the last game. It's not such a problem for me because I'm from Milan so I'll see it again, but it was my last time living it from the inside, as an Interista, and that hit home right at the end. That's the sort of thing you don't think about, but you notice them when they're not there anymore."
Well, good luck with for the next stage of your career, Luca.
"I'll try, I'm still in good shape and I've still got plenty of desire, as you can see from the way I still enjoy training. If an interesting offer comes up then I'll go on playing because this is my life and I hope to keep going for some time yet. Thanks to everyone for everything you've given me."
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