Inter captain Andrea Ranocchia has revealed that he’s on the verge of signing a new deal with the Biscione and plans on remaining with the club for a long time now that he has taken on a new role.
The 26-year-old has admitted that taking on the job of captain at the San Siro outfit has required a lot of extra responsibility, especially during the team’s recent struggles in the Serie A, but insists that he’ll be able to work through the challenges for as long as possible and hopes to lead his team to victory during their upcoming home match with Napoli on Sunday.
Ranocchia spoke through Inter’s official Twitter profile on Friday about his future at the Milan side and the squad’s preparations ahead of their meeting with the Partenopei, while also commenting on which defenders he idolises and the talent possessed by rising star Mateo Kovacic.
“Will I be like Javier Zanetti? Sure, I’ll be officially signing a new contract soon and I plan to continue with Inter for a long time,” said the Italian international, whose current contract with Inter is set to expire in June 2015.
“Becoming captain? Honestly, I don’t mind the weight of the role much. It’s a great feeling with more responsibility, but I’m an expert on this now, I also know this environment very well so it was easier.
“However, holding this role now is possibly more challenging than it was before.
“The match with Napoli? When you’re dealing with a game like this you have to also prepare yourself alone, which the coach can not do much about.
“This is a delicate challenge where it’s necessary to take the lead and win. Honestly, seeing the boys training in recent days makes me confident that we’re well prepared. I’ve also seen intense work on a mental level.
“Kovacic? He’s an extraordinary talent, he’s young and has to work. He should do well, but should also do bad at times in order to grow.
“Taking a few blows on a personal level helps you grow, it happened to me so I’m speaking from experience. He can become one of the strongest players in the world.
“The strongest defender? I’d say right now it’s Mats Hummels. In the past it was Paolo Maldini, he was the absolute best, most complete defender.”
