Inter Milan & Poland Midfielder Vows To Return To His Best After Miserable First Season At San Siro: “Injuries Held Me Back, Now I’ll Show Real Me” | OneFootball

Piotr Zielinski has promised to show Inter Milan fans his true self in his second season at the club.

Speaking to Sport Mediaset via FCInterNews, the Pole admitted that injuries ‘held him back’ in his first year at San Siro.

During his eight-year stint at Napoli, Piotr Zielinski established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A.

Furthermore, the 31-year-old was an integral part of the Scudetto-winning squad in 2022/23.

Despite drawing plenty of inquiries last summer, the Poland international chose Inter as his next destination.

Indeed, he joined the Nerazzurri on a Bosman deal, expected to be an upgrade on Davide Frattesi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

However, he flopped in his maiden season at San Siro.

Marred by injuries, Zielinski often struggled for form and fitness, making only eight starts in Serie A.

After a miserable first year at Inter, he seems determined to put all the difficulties behind him and start over.

Piot Zielinski Makes Audacious Promise to Inter Milan Fans

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale celebrates with Lautaro Martinez after scoring his team’s first goal from a penalty kick during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 27, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Cristian Chivu used Zielinski as a late substitute in Inter’s first two league matches this season.

Yet, the player hopes to have a more significant role in the 2025/26 campaign.

“I started off with small injuries that never allowed me to be at my best,” Zielinski said. “Then another one came just as I was gaining confidence and finding consistency.

“Unfortunately, injuries left their mark on my first season at Inter, but overall it went well and I’m happy.

“This year, I want to prove I’m an Inter-level player, with the quality to give a lot to the team.

“I want to stay, I want to give my all, I want to show the fans the prime version of Zielinski.”

Then, he discussed the upcoming match between Juventus and Inter.

“It’ll be a very tough match, but we have all the quality to do well. We’ll be fired up to bring three points back to Milan.

“I’m open to anything, I can play anywhere in midfield; I’ll give my best in any position the coach puts me.”

Meanwhile, Zielinski is adamant Inter have mentally recovered from a dismal loss to PSG in the Champions League final.

“No aftereffects, that’s the past,” he added. “This year we started well, then we slipped up against Udinese.

“But there are still many matches to play and many points up for grabs.”

Finally, he delivered his verdict on the Scudetto race.

“Inter must always aim high in every competition and try to win,” he said when asked if Inter are targeting another league title.

“We’ll see. We’re strong, we have a lot of quality, and we’ll try to finish the season on top.”