Inter midfielder Mateo Kovacic says he is studying the history of Inter as he seeks to improve as a player and learn from Europe’s top midfielders.
The 19-year-old Croatian joined the Nerazzurri in January 2013 from Dinamo Zagreb for €11 million and has been handed the prestigious No.10 for the 2013-14 Serie A season.
“I am extremely proud that president Massimo Moratti said that I was his No.10,” said Kovacic to La Gazzetta Dello Sport.
“I just finished reading a book about on the history of Inter so that I could understand more about this club and the great No.10s of the past.
“Being able to wear this jersey is an honour. My life has changed so much here. I arrived alone, like a child who was forced to grow up.”
The Croatian international revealed how Inter coach Walter Mazzarri has instructed him to learn from the great European midfielders as the 19-year-old looks to improve his game and score his first goal for the Biscione.
“Mazzarri asks me to adopt a bit of a Hamsik-style position at Inter,” said Kovacic
“I study [Marek]Hamsik all the time, plus [Luka] Modric, [Andres] Iniesta and David Silva.
“I watch their movements, their timing, the way they spread their passes and work for others.”
The 19-year-old also added that not only was he developing on the pitch but as a professional off it thanks to the mentoring of international teammate Modric:
“Modric told me to live my life as a professional,” he continued.
“It’s not just what you do on the pitch that’s important, but also keeping regular and organised hours.
“I finally got my driver’s licence, so I don’t have to ask for a lift from my teammates anymore.”
