Mali Youth Prodigy Opens Up On Inter Milan Move: ‘New Challenge For Me, But I’m Ready To Give My Best’ | OneFootball

Teenage Malian winger Aliou Badara Fofana is excited for a “new challenge” at Inter Milan, where he’s ready to give his best.

The 16-year-old prodigy spoke to AfricaFoot, where he outlined what he hopes from from his transfer to the Nerazzurri.

Inter have made plenty of signings for their youth team in recent years.

This partly follows the dictate of Nerazzurri owners Oaktree Capital.

Since taking over at Inter in May, the US fund have signalled their intention to build a project at the club focusing on youth rather than just experienced players.

This summer, Inter made a number of signings for their youth team.

Perhaps the most high profile was that of young Slovenian attacking midfielder Luka Topalovic.

Topalovic arrived from Slovenian club Domzale. He probably has the clearest and shortest potential pathway into the Inter first team out of any youth team signings from this summer.

But another exciting signing that Inter brought in was 16-year-old Malian winger Fofana.

The teenager joined the Nerazzurri from the youth team of fellow Lombard club Brescia in July.

Aliou Badara Fofana On Inter Move: “New Challenge, Ready To Give My Best”

Inter are certainly a club with a bigger stature than that of Brescia.

That means that it will be harder than ever for a player in Fofana’s position to stand out from the crowd.

But at the same time, it is a mark of the faith that Inter have put in the youngster.

And time is certainly on the Malian youth team international’s side if he wants to make an impact for the Nerazzurri – and for his national team at the senior level.

Speaking to AfricaFoot, Fofana explained that “The process to get to Inter Milan was very quick.”

“The club was very interested in my profile and my representatives found the project interesting for my development,” he continued.

“That’s how I signed here, joining the U17 team.”

Fofana said that “It’s an important step for the rest of my young football career and an excellent opportunity.”

“I will continue to progress and perform here, with the ambition of signing my first professional contract soon.”

Fofa commented that “It is a new challenge for me and I am ready to give my best with Inter Milan, to be able to achieve my goals.”

“I am a young footballer who still has a lot to learn,” he admitted.

“So I will remain humble and continue to work hard, while listening to my coaches.”

And Fofana also spoke about his national team aspirations. “I am looking forward to give the best for my country,” he said. “Mali.”

The young Inter winger said that “I hope to have the chance to wear the national colors and to be able to help my country wining major trophies.”