Turkey Megastar Opens Up On Decision To Join Inter Milan: “Juventus & Barcelonan Were Interested, But Simone Inzaghi | OneFootball

Hakan Calhanoglu has confirmed that Simone Inzaghi played a crucial role in his transfer to Inter Milan in 2021.

Speaking to Kafa Sport via FCInterNews, the 32-year-old revealed the details of his move from AC Milan to the Nerazzurri.

Inter snapped up Hakan Calhanoglu on a free transfer in the summer of 2021.

Despite spending four years at Milan, the Turkish midfielder decided to join their bitter rivals five years ago.

Furthermore, the former Bayer Leverkusen star has flourished at Inter.

Much credit goes to Simone Inzaghi, who changed his role, transforming him from a winger to a deep-lying playmaker.

Little did anyone know that Calhanoglu would become one of the world’s best players in his position.

Indeed, Inzaghi’s tactical choice has completely changed the Turk’s career.

Meanwhile, Inter were not the only side interested in his services back in 2021.

According to the player, Barcelona and Juventus were also in the mix, but Inzaghi convinced him to choose the Nerazzurri.

Hakan Calhanoglu Opens Up on Simone Inzaghi Role in Inter Milan Transfer & New Role

“It’s a difficult step,” Calhanoglu admitted. “First of all, you have to prove your worth and that you are in good shape. And then, with the fans too, you had to convince them that you would always give 100%.

“My first match, however, went well. I scored and provided an assist. I was honestly thrilled with that game; it was a new experience, let’s say a transition in my career.

“We waited until the very last moment for Milan to make a renewal offer, but it never came. At that point, my agent told me there was an offer from Barcelona, and Juventus was also interested.

“But then Inter came in at the last moment: Inzaghi kept calling us, he really wanted me. At that moment, I asked myself, ‘How do you go from Milan to Inter?’ My agent said, ‘Sleep on it, and call me when you wake up.’ I accepted.”

Asked how he felt when he heard Inter fans singing his name for the first time, Calhanoglu replied: “I was surprised; in the end, you are considered a foreign player here.

“This love is special – it means I’ve succeeded. I am a very important part of the team, and my efforts have been rewarded.”

Then, he commented on the role change.

“When I arrived, Marcelo Brozovic played in that position, and I often played alongside him. After he left, the coach was thinking about how to reorganize that role, and he told me he wanted to test me there.

“I accepted because the position was different, but not by much. Sure, I might stay further from the box, but I have more control of the game.

“I play a role that is both offensive and defensive – I like helping the team. My game has changed; I enjoy taking on new challenges.”

Hakan Calhanoglu Hails Cristian Chivu & Comments on His Relationship with Inter Milan Teammates

Cristian Chivu, who replaced Inzaghi at the helm last summer, convinced Calhanoglu to stay upon arrival.

“At the start of the season, the coach changed,” Calhanoglu stated. “I think it had a positive impact on the team. He was already at the club, coaching the youth players, so we knew him.

“He’s a very approachable, warm person, and the team accepted him immediately. He’s very open, and that has been positive. And he also has the advantage of giving everyone a chance, including the young players.

“The previous coach had a different philosophy, more focused on experience. Everyone has their own way of seeing things, but now we are doing well, thank God.”

Furthermore, he confirmed he is enjoying his time at Inter.

“Honestly, I get along with everyone, but especially with Manuel Akanji, Yann Sommer, Marcus Thuram, Denzel Dumfries, and Yann Bisseck.”

Meanwhile, Calhanoglu and Akanji have formed a special bond.

“Yes, because he speaks German, and our children all go to the same school,” the Turk confirmed. “But Denzel Dumfries also really likes Turks.”

Finally, he admitted he decided to join Inter without consulting anyone.