APPIANO GENTILE – Nerazzurri striker Eder has spoken of his happiness at the club in an appearance on Inter Channel’s InterNos programme, in which players answer questions sent in by fans.
"I already knew the league and joining the Inter family was easy because everyone treated me really well," said the Inter No.23. "Not just my team-mates, but everyone who works here. There were lots of rumours in January, some linking me with England. But when I heard of Inter’s interest I had no doubts whatsoever.
"I’ve been in Italy for 11 years so I already knew about Inter’s great history, partly from having faced the club many times. When you play for Inter, you’re even more aware of how big the club is – there are fans everywhere in Italy and throughout the world," explained Eder.
Looking back on his early years, Eder revealed the story behind his name: "My dad was a huge football fan. When I was a lad he’d take me to see Eder’s Vasco da Gama and tell me about his goals. He was a fantastic player.
"My idol as a kid was Ronaldo – O Fenomeno – one of the greatest of all time. I grew up watching him play."
Asked about his relationship with Roberto Mancini, Eder replied: "I feel good. He’s a coach that keeps everyone on their toes, so we all need to be in good shape and make sure we’re ready at all times. His career speaks for itself – the things he’s done and everything he’s achieved."
Eder also explained why he choose to wear the No.23 shirt at Inter: "I had it at Sampdoria and it brought me good luck, so I decided to keep it at Inter too. I’ve worn the No.7 and the No.17 during my career, but ever since I joined Sampdoria I’ve had the No.23."
The full interview with Eder will go out on Inter Channel’s InterNos programme at 21:00 CET tonight.
