Inter midfielder Joao Mario is keen to rebuild his relationship with the club’s fans after acknowledging his poor body language hasn’t helped matters since joining the club.
The Portuguese moved to Italy back in 2016, but he has failed to live up to his €45 million price tag since then. He also drew the ire of Inter fans before the start of season by warning Sporting CP players not to play in Serie A.
Now back in the Nerazzurri first team after a move away failed to materialize during the summer, Joao Mario is keen to show his worth.
“My goal is to change the whistles into applause,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “It’s tough when the fans whistle you, but I understand why.
“There was a problem with my body language, and every now and then it seems I’m not there. It’s something I have to improve on because I have the will and desire to do well.
“These are things I can improve on. What I’ve learned is that regardless of the situation, the atmosphere or my confidence, I must always give my all because there is no excuse for my body language.”
Joao Mario was largely used as an attacking midfielder by Luciano Spalletti during the first half of last season, but the 25-year-old believes his skills are better suited in another position.
“In our system, I find that I’m more comfortable as a midfielder,” he added. “Players further up the pitch must score in Italy, and that’s not one of my main characteristics.
“Given how we play at Inter, I can help the team most in midfield. I’ve played as a winger for the national team, but the middle of the park is where I play best.”
Joao Mario has netted three goals in 47 appearances for Inter since 2016.
