Rafinha: "I have a great desire to get going"
Team
— Jan 25th 2018The midfielder introduced himself to fans on Facebook, Twitter and Inter TV: "I feel good and motivated. I was impressed by San Siro and the fans."
APPIANO GENTILE – It was time for an official presentation at the Suning Centre as the new Nerazzurri player Rafinha responded live to fans on Facebook, Twitter, Inter TV and from China. “I have a lot of desire to get going, I’m motivated and ready for everything that will happen. I feel good, I feel very good and I have a great desire to play.”
As an Inter player, Rafinha will meet up with Mauro Icardi once again. “He impressed me, I remember him from when he was kid and now that I’ve seen him again he’s a lot more mature. In the first training sessions, I was impressed by Borja Valero, I already remember him from his time at Villarreal.”
"Family means everything for me. My friends were close to me in the times following my injury. You need to be strong in such a time and stay strong mentally too so that you can keep thinking of giving your all.”
Signing for Inter is a very motivational moment: “I chose the Nerazzurri because it’s a team with great ambitions. My celebration? I haven’t thought about that but it will be special.”
There was also time to discuss life away from football: “My hobbies? I play the guitar. Music helps me to relax and distract myself… I don’t sing though. Light blue is my favourite colour. I’ve received a lot of messages from fans showing their affection right from the start.”
The nickname ‘Little Prince’ was sent in from China: “It’s nice, I like it. It sounds good. I’m ambitious and I want to take Inter to the Champions League, I’ll do everything for the fans and in search of victories.”
Rafinha then looked back at the history of Inter. “If I think of Inter from when I was young it’s Adriano ‘L'Imperatore’ that I remember. Before coming here, I also spoke with Miranda and Icardi.”
San Siro is always a sight to behold. “I’ve only seen it from the outside but it was impressive. I can’t wait to get inside as a player, I expect a lot from the fans and such a stadium. The number 8? I like it, it’s always brought me luck, including with the Olympic team.”