Inter Milan defender Matteo Darmian has hailed Simone Inzaghi as a great coach and an equally great person.
During a comprehensive interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio via FCInterNews, Darmian discussed numerous topics, including featuring in the UEFA Champions League final in 2023.
“The defeat in Istanbul hurt,” Matteo Darmian admitted. But I hope that both for me and Inter, there will be another chance.
“Sometimes, losses teach you much more than victories, and that was the case for us, especially considering what happened the following year with the second star.
“Losing the Champions League final gave us the awareness we now show on the pitch.
“Those were special days, crucial for a career.
“It’s not often you get such opportunities. Unfortunately, things didn’t go our way in Istanbul, despite a strong performance from us.
“When you return home, it’s hard not to dwell on what happened. You carry it with you for quite a while…
“The summer wasn’t easy. But with the support of my family, who are always by my side, I managed to move past it.
“The following season, it was crucial to pick up from there and work towards achieving the second star.”
Inter Milan Defender Matteo Darmian Hails Simone Inzaghi & Reveals His Dressing Room Status
“Inzaghi is a great coach and an even greater person, attentive to everything,” Darmian stated.
“He ensures everyone feels involved and important within the group. It’s this kind of environment that makes you want to give your all for the coach and to help the team.
“My teammates say I bring good luck – or rather, that I’m really lucky!
“During one match, I gave away a penalty. But my teammates were calm: ‘Don’t worry, Darmian caused it, he’ll definitely miss!’
“And in the end, Henry missed it! That game was a rollercoaster and turned out to be crucial for winning the second star.
“In the end, everything worked out… partly thanks to us and partly thanks to my luck!
“Jokes aside, I believe luck is something you attract and create through your daily actions.
“Building a strong, solid group that gets along well is fundamental to achieving big goals.
“I experienced it when I moved to England, so I understand how tough it can be for a player to adapt to a new country and culture.
“Even small things like helping with housing or suggesting good places to eat are moments where you can lend a hand.”
AC Milan Beginnings
Darmian came through AC Milan’s youth academy but never had a real chance to prove himself at a senior level.
“Was I a nerd in school? Well… a little, yes!
“I grew up in a small-town environment, in Rescaldina. Then I joined AC Milan’s youth academy, which was a real school of life.
“Behavior was crucial – they wanted you to balance football and school equally.
“We all know how hard it is to make it to the top levels.
“My parents always say, ‘We were lucky, you were such a well-behaved kid.’
“Even now, I have interests like design and fashion.
“As a child, I once filled out a questionnaire: ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ I wrote ‘A pizza maker.’
“But I don’t know why, maybe because I love eating pizza.”
After four years at Torino, Darmian left his homeland to join Manchester United in 2015.
Manchester United Aventure & Media Pressure in England
“When I signed with United, I found out that for away games, family members don’t get reserved seats,” Darmian admitted. “They sit among the fans.
“My first match was the derby against Liverpool. I asked my partner, ‘Look, it’s a very intense game – do you still want to come?’
“And she was like, ‘Yes, of course, I want to.’ She got in the car with right-hand drive and went to the away section with the fans.
“In England, football culture gives players less pressure. During the week, people talk less about football; the weekend and going to the stadium matter more.
“I got a bit of rain, but it was a fantastic, enriching experience. The move was important for my career, and I approached it with great enthusiasm.
“I already had a basic understanding of the language, so I didn’t have much trouble settling in.
“I tried speaking English from the start, which helped me.
“And I also watched simple shows like cartoons, which helped, and the club provided a tutor.
“But the most valuable experience was being in the locker room.
“When I arrived in Manchester, I discovered a completely new world.
“In Italy, few players had social media. In England, on my first day, they told me to open an Instagram account and that I’d need to participate in commercial initiatives.
“What seems normal now wasn’t back then.
“There were many commercial projects; it was a whole different world from what I was used to.
“In later years, Pogba and Ibrahimović joined, and they were media superstars.”
Retirement at Inter Milan & Post-Career Plans
At 35, Darmian is in the autumn of his playing career. He could hang up his boots at Giuseppe Meazza.
“I’ve always been an Inter fan.
“As you grow up, you set those things aside and focus on the pitch. I’d love to finish my career at Inter.
“I realize that moment isn’t too far off now. It would mean a lot to me, and I’ll keep giving my all and doing my best.”
“After my playing career? I’m not sure yet, but the role of an executive intrigues me.
“I’d like to stay in football, though I know for certain I don’t want to become a coach.
“The world of management fascinates me, as I’ve never been involved in it. I’d like to understand its dynamics.
“I’ll take the relevant courses, which provide valuable knowledge and are important, and then see what opportunities come my way.”
Matteo Darmian Speaks About His Personal Life
Asked how challenging it could be for a footballer to be a parent, Darmian replied: “It’s a topic that doesn’t get much attention in football.
“Being a father changes your life. It’s amazing to have kids, to raise them, and guide them through their life journey.
“Becoming a dad changed me. It’s not easy being a parent, especially with all the matches, travel, and training camps – we often spend days away from our loved ones.
“When we do have some free time, we dedicate it entirely to them.
“I have two children, and while I try not to treat them differently, the firstborn is clearly the most spoiled. The younger one follows the older sibling’s lead.
“I wasn’t afraid of fatherhood, but I did have a lot of questions, being an only child with no prior experience.
“When your first child is born, you learn so quickly, and it’s a wonderful process. You help them grow, but they also help you grow.
“It’s good for everyone – you lose a bit of sleep, but you catch up during training camps! Both my kids have ‘Leo’ as their middle name.
“We liked the name Leonardo, and it was partly by chance.
“When we bought our seaside home, one of the room doors had a plaque that said ‘Leo.’ It felt meant to be.”
Final Thoughts
Darmian rounded off the interview by explaining his stance on the common perception of professional football players.
“I grew up in a locker room filled with legends, both on and off the field. They were incredible players and outstanding people.
“Even though the locker room has evolved, the desire to be together remains strong with this generation.
“The foundation is having a healthy group, and that’s why I always try to be welcoming to new players.
“I try to be myself both on and off the field. Who you are off the pitch reflects how you perform on it.
“We’re all normal people with our own problems and emotions.
“From the outside, people might see us as robots, but we’re just regular people.”
“In fact, I believe it’s a great thing to be appreciated and recognized for who you truly are.”
