Hakan Çalhanoğlu spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport on the eve of the friendly against Juventus in Perth, touching on various topics related to his present and future with Inter. The Turkish midfielder addressed the issue of his contract renewal, clarifying his position and dismissing transfer rumors linking him to Turkish clubs.

On a personal level, Çalhanoğlu said he is happy with life in Milan: “I am happy to be here. In Milan, where my wife and I have integrated very well, and at Inter. We have many friends, the kids go to school.” However, regarding his contract, he specified: “The future does not depend on me, but on the club. No, because there has been no contact for a renewal. I am a footballer and I focus on playing.”

The Nerazzurri playmaker then claimed the results achieved in five years: “I think we have done many good things: 8 trophies, 2 Champions finals. The fans love me and I love them. We’ll see what happens.” Regarding the constant rumors coming from Turkey, he responded firmly: “Honestly, I don’t understand why my name is brought up. I am the captain of the national team, it can happen that I talk to club presidents who ask me for news or advice about other players. But my manager takes care of the transfer market.”

On the technical side, Çalhanoğlu talked about his transformation from attacking midfielder to playmaker: “I started with Giampaolo at Milan, for a couple of matches. But mentally I wasn’t ready, I felt like an attacking midfielder. Then at Inter, when Brozovic left, Inzaghi told me he saw me as a playmaker. We tried it during the summer, it worked and here I am.” The Turk explained how the new position allows him to score more: “I get more balls outside the box. And if the chance comes, I shoot.”

Speaking about the goal against Roma, considered by many the turning point for the title, he commented: “It was a delicate moment for us. But I don’t know if it was really the decisive goal. Anyway, it’s nothing new for me to try to shoot when I see space: I don’t stand there thinking, I go for it.” He also revealed he was inspired by Juninho for his shooting technique: “The best. I tried to imitate him.”

About the World Cup played with Turkey, Çalhanoğlu expressed regret: “We thought we could do something important, we were living a great dream after 24 years, but it didn’t go as we hoped. I am very sorry as captain because ours is a very passionate nation. But we have to look ahead. I won’t give up and I’m ready to try again in 2030.” Looking to next season, he set ambitious goals: “Defend our trophies. Then my goal-dream is to play another Champions League final. For me, we can compete with everyone: we are strong.”

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