RISCONE DI BRUNICO - Geoffrey Kondogbia revealed the reasons behind his decision to opt for Inter ahead of other suitors at a news conference today.
The Frenchman, who recently joined from Monaco and previously plied his trade at Sevilla, stated emphatically that Inter is the best place for him to be, citing a combination of the club's ambition, Roberto Mancini's magnetism and the challenge of testing himself in Serie A.
The 22-year-old midfielder - speaking to journalists, F.C. Internazionale sponsors and Inter Club members at the Nerazzurri's training camp in Riscone - was presented by Marco Fassone.
"This is our chance to give Geoffrey a really big welcome to our club. We're both proud and thrilled that he has chosen to tie his name to our colours for many years to come. We hope they will be highly successful years for him and for us," the managing director said.
Kondogbia than took the floor and explained the reasons behind his move. "I chose to come and play in Serie A because I think it's an important step up in my career and because I believe it will help to improve me as a player.
"I spoke to the coach and he convinced me. I'm sure that Inter - with the plans they have - is the best club for me. The newspapers said I'd already agreed to sign for AC Milan but it's not true."
The Frenchman has already had the opportunity to see the enthusiasm of Nerazzurri supporters first hand and he knows he is joining a club where expectations are always high. "I've noticed how passionate the fans are but I don't feel any particular pressure from them. We're Inter and it's only right that we should set out to win things."
The Italian league is never easy and throws up plenty of challenges, one of which could be the chance for our new No.7 to lock horns with his fellow countryman Paul Pogba. "I've never played against him before but I'd like to. I'm confident about the coming season. There's a lot of work to do but I'm sure we'll do a good job."
The 22-year-old is certainly not shy about his ability: "I think I've shown what I'm capable of as a footballer but it's a bit too early to say whether I can be a leader at Inter – there are big players here already."
Commenting then on how he feels about being placed in the same bracket as various world-class midfielders, he continued: "People have compared me to Toure and Vieira but out of the two Toure is the player I look up to most. As for my position, I don't have any specific preference; I'm happy to play wherever the gaffer wants me.
"I think one of my key attributes is my strength, while I need to work more on the defensive side of my game."
And on the subject of strength: "I used to love boxing as a kid because I didn't really like the rules of football. I was looking for something with more discipline."
Asked to go into more detail about what Mancini said to convince him, the France international went on: “He said lots of things and laid out the club's plans to me. When a coach like Mancini comes calling, you can't really say no."
Finally, he explained why he plumped for the No.7 shirt and spoke about how he is settling in. "My son and my mum were both born on the 7th. There's a great atmosphere here and I've found it really easy to slot in immediately."
Here's to a very successful career at Inter, Geoffrey!
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LIVE! CONFERENZA PRESENTAZIONE KONDOGBIA 10.7.2015 12:15 CEST
