Raoul Bellanova explained why he chose to move to Torino from Inter this summer: ‘The president and coach both wanted me’. The defender spoke with Sportmediaset about a range of topics, including his time at Inter, dreams of reaching the national team, and why Torino are a good fit for him:
“Is the national team a goal ? Yes, it depends on how I do here at Torino. Now I’m trying to give my best in this team. I think I’ve improved a lot compared to the beginning of the year, where I didn’t feel at ease. It took me a while to get into the team’s mechanisms. But now I’m confident, I’m feeling good physically, I’ll try to do the best I can. Then the choice is Spalletti’s, but I hope so because this goal is a dream.
“I chose Toro because right from the start both the president, the directors and the coach showed great desire to bring me into this group. I was always talking to Ricci and Pellegri with the national Under-21 team and they told me to come because there was a beautiful environment and because the group was ambitious. Then I heard Juric on the phone and I was even more 100 per cent convinced that it was the right choice.”
“I thought I would regret leaving Milan but Turin is a beautiful city and I am really well. After training I prefer to stay at home, I must tell you the truth, but when you go out you understand the fans’ attachment to Toro. It gives me real pleasure to be able to speak in a civilised manner with them.”
“Inter or Juventus for the title? Inter have the most complete team both in the starting eleven and in the reserves. I’m rooting for them as an Inter fan, I wish the best to all my former teammates”
“Danilo D’Ambrosio was my wingman, then I bonded with Darmian; we also bonded with Asllani, he was very young like me. Everyone welcomed me very well”
“I had two dreams as a child. Playing at the San Siro with my team was the first, playing in the Champions League final the second. I hope to relive these emotions because they remain imprinted in my mind.”
“Another dream? To wear the Azzurri jersey. Do I want to send a warning to Spalletti? The warning must come from the field, not with words. There are six months to go until the European Championship, I hope to show him that I deserve the call-up. By scoring a few goals the chances might increase… Everything depends on how I do at Toro. Italy would be a dream and a plus”.
