Inter Milan 5-2 Roma – Turkey Talisman Reveals The Secret Behind His Long-Range Goal & Claims: ‘We Sent An Important Signal Today’ | OneFootball

Hakan Calhanoglu capped a dominant Inter Milan performance against Roma with a stunning long-range strike, and the Turkey captain was in a reflective and warm mood afterwards, revealing the secret behind his spectacular effort and explaining what Sunday’s result means for the Scudetto race.

Speaking to Sky Sport after the 5-2 victory, via FCInter1908, Calhanoglu was asked immediately about his remarkable goal from 30 metres. His answer was characteristically self-aware.

“I had scored from 45 metres with a free kick before. What effect did I put on the ball?”

He then drew a comparison to his Hamburg days, noting that the balls used then had more curve, softer Adidas balls that moved differently through the air.

When the inevitable Andrea Pirlo comparison arose, Calhanoglu was respectful but clear.

“Pirlo is something else, he is a phenomenon. I kick it in a similar way but there is no comparison.”

Inter Milan 5-2 Roma – Calhanoglu Reflects On Group’s Resilience After Difficult International Break

Beyond the goal, Calhanoglu offered the most candid account yet of the mood inside the squad after the painful international break.

“After the break, when we returned to Appiano, we talked. We know how important it was for me to go to the World Cup, and for my teammates who did not qualify it was a huge disappointment.

“It was not easy to manage, and forgetting is not easy either. It stays inside you.”

He then put his own joy in context. “Turkey had not been to the World Cup for 24 years. I understand my teammates.”

Despite that emotional backdrop, he felt the group’s response on the pitch was exactly what was needed.

“Today we sent an important signal, of a group that wants to hold first place. We also showed quality that had been missing in recent games where we had made mistakes.”

On the importance of having key players back, Calhanoglu was equally direct.

“Important players are fundamental. When everyone is on the pitch you see the difference. Sometimes injuries arrive one after another and mentally it is difficult, but when the squad is well it is all much easier.”

On his own injury management, he admitted it has been a learning curve.

“It has not been easy for me, having injuries to the calf and thigh, never experienced in my career, and they arrive after 700 matches. I need to manage myself better, do fewer training sessions, recover carefully. But when I have my rhythm it is much easier.”

He closed with a warm message for Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella, who faces Inter in the coming days. “Give him my regards, a great coach!”