Vidal, his first Nerazzurri Christmas: "I'm here to win, we have a lot of hunger"

APPIANO GENTILE – Arturo Vidal is enjoying his first Christmas as an Inter player after joining the Club a few months ago. In an interview with Sky Sport, the Chilean midfielder reflected on his first few months in the Nerazzurri shirt, also looking ahead to 2021.

How has the first stage of the season gone? “I’ve been here for four months, I’m back working hard with the Coach again. I had great experiences at Bayern and Barcelona, but now I’m playing under Conte again and this is certainly a great thing.”

Has Inter’s elimination from the Champions League been the most difficult moment so far? “Absolutely: winning the Champions League is a dream of mine. However, there’s a new project in place at Inter involving young players and a lot of hunger to win. We’ve still got two objectives to achieve and we’ll give our all.”

The team have, however, reacted well… “After our elimination, we could have let it get to us. However, we’ve bounced back excellently and produced even better performances. The important thing is to work hard every day, we know that it’s been a difficult year. I’m not scared to use the word ‘Scudetto’, I’ve been successful in Italy, Germany and Spain. However, hard work is required.”

What are Inter missing in order to win trophies? "Inter already came close to winning the Scudetto last year, but mistakes were made at moments when there shouldn’t have been any. We’re a united team but need to improve and try not to repeat the same errors.”

Who are the favourites? “Juventus. They have a strong team and have won nine Scudetto titles in a row. They also have the weapons at their disposal to always remain in contention. We need to do all that we can to be stronger and are confident.”

When you signed for Inter, did you think about the time you spent with Juventus? “I was at Juventus for four seasons, but now I’m only thinking about the present and the future and doing something new. The Coach and I had spoken often about working with each other again. I want to give my absolute all and put my heart and soul into playing for Inter.”

How has your role changed? “At Juventus, I had more opportunities to score because I played higher up the pitch, but I’ll slowly become a more dangerous player again here at Inter.

Are we yet to see the real Vidal at Inter? “I’d say that this is true: something is still missing, even if I’m here to help the team develop. Following the transfer, there wasn’t a lot of time to prepare, but now I’m feeling good and 100% ready.”

What’s it like working with the Coach? “In Munich and Barcelona, they do things differently. It’s been like a reawakening playing under Conte again because he really does make you work hard. He has even more desire to win.”

What do you like about this Inter side? “We’re a young team and have a lot of hunger to win, this is what I really like. We’re a strong side.”

You had some great memories at Barcelona and were a popular player in the changing room! “People don’t see what goes on off the pitch, I try to be honest with everyone.”

What do you want to achieve in 2021? “I’ll be happy if we’re successful and the true Vidal is seen on the pitch. I also hope that my children will remain happy.”