Keita: "We are a strong and solid squad"

APPIANO GENTILE - Having bagged a brace and an assist during his last league game at San Siro, Keita Balde has today given an exclusive interview to Sky Sport: “It was a great feeling to score my first goal at home in front of our fans. I had been waiting a long time for it, but I worked to make it happen and it’s now only just the beginning. However, I must still do a lot more to improve and to help the team.

“Inter is a fantastic club and the Inter shirt can’t just be worn by anyone. There is history behind it and has clear significance attached. San Siro is one of the best stadiums in the world, therefore, I’m proud to play for Inter. It’s hugely important, especially for us young players, that Spalletti considers everyone as potential starters. We must all ensure that we’re always ready. Everyone prefers to play but you need to work and wait for your moment. Some people focus a bit too much on statistics, my aim for the season is to give maximum commitment and play to help my teammates. Goals and assists will then come as a result.

“Being a young player in a top teams leads to a period of adaptation. I arrived at Lazio when I was still incredibly young and it took time to find my feet, even playing with great players like Klose. You play without thinking when you’re 18 and then you mature. Schick has quality, he is a top player and he must remain mentally strong.

“It’ll be a bit strange being back in Rome not as a Lazio player, however, it’ll still be a small derby for me. We are a strong and solid group with clear ideas, especially inside the dressing room. It’s right to feel that way because we are a great team and we’ll keep fighting in the league.

“As for the loss in London, we gave it a go, even if in the end, we lost. To still be in the running in a group like this is a good thing. We will give everything against PSV and then see what happens. The game against Juventus? These are the type of matches that everyone wants to play. They won’t be too happy to face us.”