MILAN – Davide Santon has spoken about his love for the club and the Nerazzurri shirt in an interview for Inter Channel programme InterNos.
The Inter academy product, who returned to Milan last January after a spell in England, turned back the clock to reflect on his time as a youngster trying to push his way into the first team, before going on to discuss the current Nerazzurri squad.
He began: "It was great growing up here but it was hard too. I left home at 14 and moving away from your family is never easy. There were loads of experienced players at the club when I first joined. I was really lucky to be part of a fantastic Inter side aged just 17.
"When the opportunity for me to return came up in January I was thrilled. There are lots of youngsters here now and we all need to grow together."
On the subject of youngsters, the full-back was asked about some of the current crop.
"Dimarco is really down to earth and he works so hard. I went through the same thing he's experiencing now and the first few months aren't easy. You get promoted to the first team and you're still very young so you train then maybe watch the game from the stands. But he has ability to be a good player.
"Biabiany is the team-mate I'm closest to and we grew up together. Generally though we're a very close-knit group and I get on well with everyone."
Roberto Mancini's side currently sit second in the table after racing out of the blocks and Santon believes Inter can go on to enjoy a successful campaign.
"We have a very long season ahead of us. We got off to a good start. We might not be playing stunning football at the moment but we're getting results. Long may it continue. I'm confident and I think Inter can have an excellent season."
He rounded off by declaring his love for the black and blue stripes. "The Inter shirt means everything to me. I've always respected these colours and I always will. I've learnt to love this jersey and honour it seeing all the star players who have worn it before."
The full interview with Davide Santon will air on Inter Channel's InterNos at 21:00 tonight.
