Aleksandar Stankovic has opened up on the emotion of returning to Inter this summer, describing the move as the fulfilment of the reason he started playing football in the first place.
According to Football 360, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the midfielder didn’t hold back when asked how it felt to come home.
“For me it was something incredible, the reason I started playing football was because I wanted to play here. So for me it was pure emotion. It doesn’t matter the place, when it comes to Inter I would go anywhere.”
Stankovic also reflected on his family connection to the club, with his father Dejan a Nerazzurri legend.
“Well, ever since I was a child, literally since I was born, they put an Inter shirt on me. So for me it was incredible to see San Siro, Inter, the fans, because when you’re little you don’t really realise who your father is, but once you start growing up you start to understand who your father is and what Inter means to the people of Milan and around the world.
“So as far as I’m concerned, I’m very happy and proud to have been born an Inter fan, and I’ll always be grateful to my father.”
Stankovic on Lucerne, Club Brugge and reuniting with Chivu at Inter
Stankovic also detailed the loan spells that shaped him before his return, first at Lucerne and then at Club Brugge, where Inter’s buy-back clause eventually brought him back to Milan this summer.
“Honestly, it wasn’t easy. It was very difficult to accept having to leave home, family, the club you love, friends and everything else. But then you understand it’s because you want to come back here and play for this club. Club Brugge, though, I think for a young player, honestly, is one of the best clubs in the world because the opportunities they give you to improve are incredible. I think it was the best step I could have taken in my career.”
On working under Cristian Chivu, who coached him at Inter’s Primavera level three years ago before taking charge of the first team, Stankovic sounded relaxed about his role.
“Chivu has known me since I was a child. We had two great seasons together and now we’re back together, I think he knows me very well. He knows my playing style, my role and everything else.”
Asked about his ambitions for the season, he kept it simple: “Win as much as possible with Inter.”
