Radu: "Restarting as champions of Italy is amazing"

APPIANO GENTILE – Inter’s hard work continues under the orders of coach Simone Inzaghi on the fields of the Suning Training Centre. Andrei Radu, the 24-year-old goalkeeper who starred in the Nerazzuri’s first friendly against Lugano, gives us an insight into thesquad’s pre-season training so far.

How are the first few weeks of pre-season going?

“It’s going really well. After a month off it’s not easy to get going again, but having done some preparation before starting I’m feeling really good.”

Does the coach have any particular instructions for the goalkeepers?

“We always say that in today’s game the goalkeeper is the first attacker. So we need to be really good with our feet and build play from the back. That’s the main instruction.”

You've been here since 2013, taking in a lot of experience around Italy in between. Do you feel like a bit of a veteran in this group?

“Not quite a veteran because I’m still young, but I’m getting there slowly.”

You had a great game against Lugano, especially saving penalties. What’s your secret?

“What secret? I’m just too good! I’m joking of course. The secret is to always work hard in training because the hard work you do there will pay off in matches. I always try to make the next day better than the last. That’s the most important thing in my opinion.”

The first match of the season is against Genoa, a team you know well. What sort of match are you expecting? 

“It’ll be a really difficult game because everyone wants to start well. But we’re ready for anything. Let’s see what happens.”

A new season is starting, but unlike last year this time we’ll have the Scudetto badge sewn on our chest. How difficult will it be to defend?

“It’s always difficult because every team that faces Inter gives it everything. Now it’ll be even harder, but also nicer in a way, because taking the field as champions of Italy will be an amazing feeling.”

Apart from being a great keeper, you’re also a great pianist, just like Stefan de Vrij. Can we look forward to a collaboration between the two of you?

“Unfortunately not yet because he’s much better than me. I play just as a hobby but he takes it more seriously.”