Former Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu says he would like a Champions League quarter final draw against his former team. The Nerazzurri midfielder has been the subject of taunts and insults from Milan fans after making the move to their city rivals and relished in celebrating against them during their SuperCoppa Italiana victory earlier this year.
Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Türkiye midfielder explained why he doesn’t pay attention to the insults any more, how the love of the ‘Interisti’ is enough for him and why he has plans to remain in Milan after his playing career is over:
The fans of your former team have never forgiven you and insult you at every match: what has hurt you most in the last tensions with the ‘Diavolo’?
“Let’s put it this way: for half the city I am an idol and half an enemy. Half loves me and half hates me. On the same day I happened to hear Milanisti insults and Interisti chants in the street. It’s something to do with football: I won’t be the first or the last to experience such a situation. But I don’t pay attention to it anymore: the past is the past. I have a tough character that helps me to move on. Let’s say that if I think I’m right, I always defend myself, without fear. And at the end of it all, the love of the Inter fans is enough for me.”
And how would you like a derby in the Champions League quarter-finals?
“Very much, it would be history!”.
How close are we to the renewal?
“I am proud that Inter want to renew my contract and my will is to stay here. But I want to stay in Milan even afterwards, staying in football. Maybe even open a 100 per cent Turkish restaurant, which is missing in the city.”
And would you see yourself with Franck Kessie again next year?
“He is a friend and a great player: great players are always welcome here…. We talk a lot, it’s true. He knows he plays for a great team, but he also knows that Inter would not be a step down from Barca.”
Almost a month has passed since the earthquake: how do you feel now?
“I won’t forget that terrible 6 February. I had a birthday on the 8th and I didn’t celebrate at all. Even the food didn’t taste the same, I could see my children in the eyes of those children left alone in the cold. It was a pain I had never experienced and fortunately my family was not affected. At this difficult time, we are all united to help the country and seeing the support even from abroad melts my heart. I just wish we could be so supportive always, not only in tragedies.”
And how are you helping with football?
“We recently had a conference call with the Federation: among other initiatives, we will help provide containers for the evacuees. And personally I am trying to involve some Turkish foundations and sportsmen to help orphans: we will support them until they are 18, it will be the most beautiful goal.”
Image from Goal.com
