APPIANO GENTILE - Felipe Melo held his first news conference as a Nerazzurri player earlier, fielding the questions of the press assembled inside the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti: "I was close to joining Inter in the past when I was playing for Fiorentina. I never had any fear about the move breaking down in the transfer window because no one can close the doors that God opens for you. I was relaxed, waiting to grasp this opportunity. What matters is that I'm here now.
"As for my character, I see myself as a leader on and off the pitch," explained the Brazilian midfielder. "I don't take offence when people dub me a 'dirty' player. Being aggressive and putting my foot in are a feature of my play, but I would like to point out that I didn't receive a single red card last season. I know where my strengths lie and I know what I have to do on the pitch.
"I'm still a little behind in terms of fitness but I think I'll be available for Sunday. Either way, we have tonight's match against Lecco before the derby. Even though it's a friendly, I'm keen to play well and I'll take things one game at a time. I chose 83 because it's the year I was born, plus eight represents infinity and three stands for the Holy Trinity. I'm not fussed about where I play, I just want to perform."
Finally, a word or two on his team-mates: "Alex Telles has a wand of a left foot. He's young, hungry for success and has a big future in the game. Kondogbia is only 22 but he's already a big player. I believe we can achieve great things together."
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LIVE! CONFERENZA STAMPA PRESENTAZIONE F. MELO E TELLES 2015.09.03 H 12:30CEST
