Esposito: “Wearing this shirt is both a dream and a responsibility”

MILAN – The objectives and dreams he has and the unique moments he’s experienced, like when he scored his first Serie A goal for Inter. Today, Sebastiano Esposito covered these topics and more as he answered the questions sent in by Nerazzurri fans on the Club’s social media channels. He started by commenting on what he’s achieved this season, from his Champions League debut to his goal against Genoa: “They were two fantastic experiences. If I had to choose the best one, it’d be my first goal in Serie A. Lukaku told me to approach the ball with confidence and score. I didn’t feel nervous and felt the support of the crowd, who were hoping I’d score. It was a wonderful feeling, I was able to fulfil my life’s dream thanks to Lukaku and the fans. This success is the result of hard work and many sacrifices. Obviously, I hope that I’m able to experience more joyous moments.”

He has a deep-rooted passion for football and Inter: “My passion for football is innate. My father and family have always been part of this world: food and football are what they live off. It was therefore difficult not to get involved. When it comes to Inter, I love the historic nature of the Club: very few teams can boast at having such a rich history. And then there’s my personal experience: I joined a great family where everyone wants the best for each other and, above all, this shirt. Playing for these colours in Serie A is a dream for every youngster. I’m honoured to have this opportunity and need to respect the Club and give absolutely everything, even more than 100%.

There were many questions relating to the Nerazzurri changing room and his relationship with Lukaku: “Romelu and I have a great relationship: the understanding was there from the very beginning, right from our first friendly matches. If I could ‘steal’ one of his traits? His goalscoring ability! Not many have been as successful has him in this regard, and scoring goals is something he pushes me to do more of when we speak. I have a brilliant relationship with him and D’Ambrosio. The first team has welcomed me with open arms, I’m proud to be part of this group. Wearing this shirt comes with great responsibility, and the changing room gives me advice every day so I can improve. The most important thing is to continue to keep working hard and remain humble. In order to be successful in football, dedication and a desire to improve are required. This is the biggest piece of advice that the staff and my teammates have given me.”

Speaking of teammates, one of the messages for Esposito came from Borja Valero himself. The young forward said the following in response: “We’re close in the dressing room and every now and then I invade his space. I miss that too, just as I miss his advice and his football out on the pitch.”

Then a word on his idols from the past and his goals for the future: “My idol when I was little was Totti, I didn’t get the chance to watch Ronaldo “El Fenomeno” when he was at Inter but I’ve watched lots of videos of him, he was truly unreal. Then I’d also give a mention to one of the best strikers in the world in Diego Milito, he made us go wild in the season of the Treble! If I had to make a starting eleven out of players from the past and present I’d definitely put Handanovic in goal, for me he’s one of the strongest goalkeepers around. In defence I’d have one of de Vrij or Samuel, Materazzi, Maicon and Zanetti, then Stankovic, Brozovic, Milito, Ronaldo “El Fenomeno”, Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez. I’m expecting a lot of good things from the future and I hope that they come. When I go to sleep and when I wake up in the morning I always dream of winning something in a Nerazzurri shirt as well as with the National Team.”

Finally, Esposito spoke about his role as a striker and his family before sending out a message to all of Inter’s fans: “I think that I’m a modern striker because I like helping out in both the defensive and attacking phases. When we’re defending, I help out a lot. I like chasing the opposition down. I’m aiming to resemble Diego Milito on the pitch, he was an excellent player. I think that my parents are proud of me, just as they’re proud of my brothers. Family is very important to me and they always support me. My advice during this period is to stay at home and rediscover some of the things that you don’t normally get round to doing in daily life. Let’s stick together. Forza!”