Sommer returns to San Siro, this time as an opponent. The Swiss goalkeeper, now at Bruges, will face Inter at the Meazza tomorrow night and gave a lengthy interview to Gazzetta dello Sport in which he retraces his years with the Nerazzurri and looks at the match with emotion but also determination.
About Bruges, Sommer gives a precise profile: “A different project compared to Inter, a different business model. Here they trust young players, who can grow in the league and gain experience in the Champions League. We have facilities comparable to those of the big European clubs and it’s a great environment for young players, but also for those less young like me. I feel good and I still have a huge motivation.”
On not renewing with Inter, the Swiss has no regrets: “No, absolutely not. We talked about it together and both the club and I decided it was the right time to part ways. Everything was perfect, the relationship between us is still excellent. I loved the Inter shirt and I loved San Siro: it was an extraordinary chapter of my career.” In those three years, he recalls, “we were the best in Italy” and he believes the Nerazzurri still are.
He then defends his successor between the posts: “Criticism of Pepo Martinez? He is an excellent goalkeeper, with potential, and also a really good guy: we had a great relationship in Milan. I watched some matches and I don’t agree with the judgments: he’s doing well, but playing for Inter is difficult, there’s a lot of pressure. I’m happy he has this opportunity and that he made it to the national team: he deserved it, Inter invested in him.”
When asked about his best moment with the Nerazzurri, Sommer has no doubts: “The incredible and crazy night against Barça. And the two celebrations on the bus in Milan, surrounded by endless love.” On his biggest regret, the lost Champions League final: “I try not to have any. Losing a final is a huge disappointment, but it doesn’t hurt as much as it did then. PSG was much more rested than us and nothing will take away the pride of our journey.”
Words of esteem also for Esposito: “I adore Pio. He is humble, a really good guy. He has a lot of power and a great physique. He represents the new generation of Italy. At Inter there are Lautaro and Thuram, two top players, but they are different players. I’m convinced that Pio will play many more games, in certain situations you need someone like him.”
About the team he will face tomorrow, the goalkeeper is clear: “Inter has the quality to win the Champions League. For me it will be special and emotional to face them, to come out of the tunnel and see San Siro: it’s an image I still have in my mind, but my teammates and I will try to make the evening difficult. The Nerazzurri fans are special, just as Inter is special. But, forgive me, now I defend Bruges and I want to win again at San Siro.”
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