Former Inter full-back Matteo Darmian, now at Bologna, found a new club during the season after spending the summer as a free agent. Speaking to Sportmediaset, he discussed Bologna's approach, his time without a contract and his view that Inter remain favourites for the Serie A title.
Bologna's approach
Darmian said: "Yes, absolutely. When you start a new challenge, you're always very excited , but you have that energy, that desire to do well. It was a somewhat unexpected call, in the sense that it was an unusual summer for me, because it was the first time in my career that I'd been a free agent, without a contract, so it was a somewhat unusual summer . But I always wanted to carry on, so I was very pleased to get this call. It was an important opportunity for me, and I seized it straight away."
A summer without a contract
Darmian said the summer was unusual for him because it was the first time in his career that he had been a free agent, without a contract.
His view on Inter
Darmian said: "Inter favourites for the Serie A title? I certainly think so, and they are showing it again this year. At Inter for Real-Inter? It fitted in perfectly with my commitments. I also had the chance to take the children to see this great match at the Bernabéu, and I was very pleased. I saw a strong team, because going to Madrid with a great mentality and imposing your own game is not something everyone can do. Of course, defeats can happen against teams of this calibre. Every match in Europe is difficult, but Inter will certainly have the chance to progress, and I hope they go as far as possible."
How his Inter spell ended
Darmian said: "I knew I had a year left on my contract, so my time at Inter could come to an end. But it ended well, in a very positive way, with a Serie A title and a Coppa Italia win. For me, they were six wonderful years. I have an incredible bond with everyone, from the players to the staff I had the chance to work with, the club and the fans . Something beautiful and unique was created that I will always carry with me."