Jones: "A big step: the passion of the fans hit me instantly" | OneFootball

Curtis Jones is an Inter player. It was a special day for the English midfielder as he finally arrived into the world of the Nerazzurri. Full of excitement and happiness, Jones introduced himself to his new supporters with a broad smile, the same smile he hopes to give Inter fans through his performances on the pitch.

The 2001-born midfielder sat down for an exclusive interview with Inter TV.

Welcome to Inter, Curtis. How does it feel to be a Nerazzurri player on your first day? "It feels amazing. I've wanted to come to Inter for a while now, so I'm really excited."

You've spent your entire life in Liverpool, playing for the Reds. This move must mean a great deal to you. "Absolutely. I'm a Liverpool lad, a Scouser, and I've spent my whole life there. But at this stage of my career, I wanted to take the next step, and I think this is the perfect club for me to do that."

What was the biggest reason behind choosing Inter? "The biggest thing was the feeling I had last season when I played against Inter in the Champions League and experienced the passion their fans have for the team. Of course, you can also talk about the trophies, the Club's history and all the great players who have worn this shirt. But the fans were the decisive factor. I was out on the San Siro pitch and I could hear them singing and supporting the players throughout. Coming from Liverpool, I've always been used to that kind of love and support, that strong connection with the fans. I hope I can build that same special bond with the Inter supporters."

Have you spoken to any of your fellow Englishmen who have recently joined Inter? "I haven't spoken to them yet, but the fact that players like Stones and Spence have come to Inter shows the level of this team. Inter has an incredible history, the squad works so well together, there's a great coach and an excellent staff. Those are all things players appreciate, and they show the quality of this Club."

Before this season, Inter had only ever had three English players in their history. Now there are three of you in the current squad. What do you make of that connection? "I'm proud to be one of those players. What really matters is the team and its fans. I'm proud to be part of a Club like this because the history speaks for itself. You only have to look around: the names on the walls and the trophies behind me don't need any explanation."

What do you consider your biggest strengths as a midfielder? What do you think you can bring to Inter and Serie A? "A lot of different things. Over the years I've developed my game and I've played in different positions; sometimes at right-back, sometimes further forward. I can play in several areas of the pitch, but above all I want to score goals and provide assists to help the team. I'm willing to work as hard as possible and do whatever it takes to help the team win. This group is full of talented players with plenty of experience. It's a great team with really strong foundations, and I want to help take it to another level."

What are you expecting from your new life at Inter? "I hope it's going to be exciting. I have a young daughter and a wife who are just as happy as I am to be part of this new chapter. They're a huge part of my life. All I wanted was to come here, and now I want to help the team. My personal life is full of happiness, my daughter is always smiling, my wife is too, and they only want the best for me."

What do you think of Serie A, Inter and the style of football played in Italy? "I've already played against Inter, and they're a team that loves having the ball. There are players here who can score lots of goals, create assists and make plenty of chances. You can feel how united this squad is. Inter can compete with the very best teams in the world. You can also feel the hunger that's here, and, as I've already said, the support from the fans is unbelievable. The Inter supporters really are the 12th man. This team has balance, goals, assists, talent, experience, it's an exciting team."

Do you have a message for your new supporters? "I can't wait to get out onto the pitch. I want to excite you and give you plenty of reasons to smile. I'll give absolutely everything for this team and do my part to help take it to an even higher level."