Ex AC Milan Star Admits Injuries Took A Toll Ahead Of Inter Milan Vs Monza Clash: ‘I Was A Bit Down, But Now I’m Fired Up To Help The Team’ | OneFootball

Hakan Calhanoglu admits that he was “a bit down” due to injuries, but says he’s now “fired up” to help Inter Milan.

The Turkish international spoke to InterTV, via FCInterNews, ahead of this evening’s Serie A match against Monza.

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has dealt with a few injuries this season.

There has not been anything truly major for the 31-year-old. However, there have been some muscle problems.

In January, Calhanoglu picked up a minor thigh problem. This came during the Supercoppa Italiana final against AC Milan.

Then, while recovering from that issue, Calhanoglu suffered a calf strain. This ruled him out for the remainder of January.

Calhanoglu did come back from that injury at the start of February.

However, there was a persistent feeling that the former AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder was not quite at his best. Particularly his performances in the big matches.

Hakan Calhanoglu: “I Was A Bit Down With Injuries, Now I’m Fired Up To Help Inter Milan”

“I’m happy to return to the pitch in front of our fans,” said Inter midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu.

“I was feeling a bit down psychologically after the injuries I had,” the 31-year-old admitted.

FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 1: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 1, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“But now I’m fired up. I want to get back to my best form and I know that I can help the team.”

Meanwhile, Calhanoglu also gave his thoughts on Inter’s first leg win against Feyenoord in the Champions League. “We wanted to win,” the Turk said. “And in a few days we’ll try to finish it off in the second leg.”

And of facing Monza this evening, Hakan Calhanoglu said that “All teams that come here try to do well.”

“But we have to just focus on ourselves. And give everything on the pitch.”

The Inter midfielder insisted that “Mentally we’re strong.”

“We have big goals that we want to achieve,” he concluded.