APPIANO GENTILE – Inter Channel's new series Caffe Doppio returns this evening, with Davide Santon in the hot seat for tonight's episode.
"The nickname Bambino ['Baby'] is a nice memory from my debut," the Italian defender began. "I went on pre-season with the first team to Brunico and that's where it all began.
"I had won the Scudetto with the Under-14s and the Under-17s, plus I also lost a Primavera final against Sampdoria. Back then I played on the wing and scored 15 goals a season."
Santon's time at the Nerazzurri youth academy coincided with that of another future star, Mario Balotelli.
"Mario and I were friends back then at Inter; we'd often go out together. It's always nice to remember those years.
"I had my first trial for Inter in a match against Sangiulianese when I was ten years old," he continued. "It was an unforgettable day. I even scored and after that I played for a local side for four more years. When I was 14, I moved to Milan and it was quite difficult at the start, going from a town with 3000 people to a huge city where I didn't know anyone.
"A typical day was made up of school and training sessions. We didn't have many days off and the pace of life was completely different. It was much easier for those who lived in Milan because they could stay with their families. Let's say that life at the academy helps you to grow up and think differently.
"Balotelli, [Joel] Obi, [Mattia] Destro and I all finished school at the same time. Who got the highest mark? Obi, but I did better than Mario! Joking aside, it was a nice moment for everyone to finish their studies."
After his experience on pre-season, David embarked on his great adventure with the Nerazzurri in 2008/09.
"At the beginning, I was getting a lot of call-ups but sitting out games in the stands," Santon remembered. "But I was still training every day with the first team. During the January transfer window, there were a few offers and the idea of going out and getting some experience was a good one.
"After the defeat in Bergamo, I realised something was changing. The week before, I had played left-back for the Primavera, a position I'd never played before. Roma came next after Atalanta and the gaffer started me at left-back. I played there until the end of the season, both in Serie A and the Champions League Round of 16.
"The following season we won the treble but I'll never forget the year before because of all my debuts. I had an operation on my knee in 2009/10 and missed most of the season, although I still felt part of the squad. Those three titles, plus the Club World Cup, were the icing on the cake."
By the age of 20, Santon had won practically everything possible.
"You never know what the future has in store for you in our sport," he explained. "It's better to win while you have the chance. I dream of playing and starring in the Champions League again in the future."
After all that success, there came a time when Santon and Inter parted ways.
"There were high expectations and then there was a period of great pressure and a lot of injuries," the full-back reflected. "I was very young, the performances weren't at the necessary level and when you're low on confidence, things don't go for you. It all starts in your head: when you don't have faith in your ability, it becomes very difficult. I had lost some of that carefree approach.
"I'm never satisfied with myself; I started playing in this position when I was 18 and it wasn't easy to adapt. But it was Mourinho who first moved me there and he knows what he's talking about."
An offer was accepted from Newcastle in England, where Davide would find playing time and meet his future wife.
"I moved with my cousin and started learning the language at university. Then I met the girl who changed my life. We've been together for five and a half years and we've got a beautiful three-year-old daughter."
