Inter defender Davide Santon has accredited his club for furthering his career and helping him personally, while looking back on the season so far and giving his views on plans for the future.
Santon’s loan move back to his boyhood club was made permanent after a series of performances convinced Inter to sign the Italian from Newcastle for €3.8 million.
After returning in the January transfer window the full-back soon became an integral part of squad, despite a slight decline, though Santon puts down all his success to the club.
“I grew up a lot in many ways,” Santon opened in an interview given to Sky Sport Italia.
“When I started [professionally] with Inter I was only 18 years-old, it was here that I learnt to eat properly, and how to follow schedules, in short it was here that I became a man.
“I always stayed true to myself, and did the things that I wanted to do, but now it’s clear to me that instead we have to be careful in everything that we do.
“My second time round [at Inter] has been good even if I’m not playing as much as when I did in January. But I’m glad to be back, back in a team that has a great future and project. Now we just have to do well at home in front of our fans.”
The 24-year-old who progressed through the ranks of the Nerazzurri’s youth sides from the age of 14, eventually earning a place in Jose Mourinho’s 2010 team which won the treble.
Santon’s reduced appearances were a consequence of a lack of fitness midway through his return to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, though the player remains determined to do his best to get back into the team having not made a start in Serie A since April 28, an away win against Udinese.
“I started to have some physical problems but then I managed to come back and have made myself available again,” the defender said.
“The coach [Roberto Mancini] has made other choices for now but when I am given the opportunity I will have to show what I’m worth.
Focusing on the future, Santon then went on to speak of the transfer market and rumoured target Yaya Toure, additionally calling for time and support so the squad can grow.
“Yaya Toure is a player who can make the difference in a game,” Santon continued. “However his arrival depends on many factors. It will be good if he joins us, but even if he doesn’t then we will still advance as a team.
“We need to need to improve in general, not just physically but also mentally.
“The fans need to be close to us and to believe in us because the team is very young, some players have only just arrived at the club, and the first year is always difficult.
Next year we will be rewarded for our efforts and I hope we can give something to our supporters to thank them all.”
