Stanković: "Playing for Inter has always been my dream" | OneFootball

A new chapter begins in a story that started many years ago: Aleksandar Stanković is back at Inter after two years away. Here's what he had to say in his first interview with Inter TV.

You first started playing for Inter when you were four years old. What does it mean to be back wearing the Nerazzurri shirt? "It's impossible to put into words. I started playing football because of Inter, because my dream was to play at San Siro. It's a feeling I'm still trying to process."

You arrive after an outstanding season with Club Brugge, where you won the league title, gained UEFA Champions League experience and were named the league's Young Professional Footballer of the Year. How much will you take from that experience? "It was an amazing experience. I learned so much, both on and off the pitch. Club Brugge are a fantastic club. They place a huge emphasis on developing young players in every aspect, and they helped me enormously. I'll always be grateful to them." You'll also be reunited with Cristian Chivu. How important has he been to your development over the years? And what does it mean to be working with him again in the First Team? "He had a huge impact on my career. He took me under his wing when I was still just a kid in the Primavera and only starting out in serious football. He taught me so much, both on and off the pitch. He helped me truly understand what football is all about and that, ultimately, what matters is what you produce on the pitch if you want to win. I'll always be grateful to him, and I'm delighted to be working with him again."

Your father, Dejan, won everything in an Inter shirt. How proud are you to continue your family's connection with the Club? And how proud is he of this next step in your career? "He's probably even more excited than I am, just like my brothers and my mum. For us, as a family of Inter fans, with a father who played for Inter and won everything here, this really is a dream come true. We're all delighted, and I'm sure he's proud of me too." You've already gained valuable experience abroad. What qualities do you hope to bring to the team? "That will become clearer once I start working with the coach and understand his ideas, which I'm sure have evolved since we were together in the Primavera. There are still a lot of things I need to learn, but training alongside so many top players will help me improve even more. I can't wait to get started. I'll do everything I can to help the team with the experience I've gained so far."

You already know many of the players well, including Pio Esposito. Have you spoken to anyone yet? "I speak regularly with Pio and Federico Dimarco. Federico is like an older brother to me. We talk almost every day and have a special bond. Pio and I first played together in the Under-12s, if I remember correctly, so he's also like a brother to me."

Inter fans have watched you grow up, and now you're back with the First Team. What would you like to say to them? "I'm really looking forward to seeing them again at the stadium, this time as a player rather than a supporter. I hope I can give them plenty to cheer about, and I can't wait to hear them chanting my name."