Asllani: "It feels amazing. I’m raring to go"

MILAN – Just nine months ago, Kristjan Asllani was an Empoli Primavera player who was yet to make his bow in Serie A. The 20-year-old Albanian certainly couldn’t have imagined that he would go on to become an Inter player in such a short period of time. Asllani introduced himself to his new supporters during an exclusive interview with Inter TV.

Welcome to Inter, Kristjan. How are you feeling after joining the club? “It feels amazing. I'm only 20 years old and getting the chance to represent this club is really special. I can't wait for the season to get under way and I'll try to give my all.”

You've got an interesting backstory. You were born in Albania but moved to Italy at a young age where you grew up. Did you ever imagine making it to this point? “I never could’ve imagined it. I left Albania when I was two years old and came to Italy. I did all of my schooling in Italy as well as learning my football here. I could never have imagined this happening.”

People that saw you grow up have said that as a youngster you had a ball glued to your feet. Who were your childhood idols? How would you describe yourself as a player? “I wouldn't say I had a particular idol, but it's true that I always had a ball with me. I watch as many games as I can because I try to follow and draw inspiration from a variety of midfielders. I enjoy doing that. Now I've got the chance to play alongside Marcelo Brozovic, who's an incredible midfielder.”

You're really young but you've already come far in football. You only made your Serie A debut last season but you put in some great performances and Inter decided to make the move to sign you. What are your objectives? What would you like to achieve? “I don't have any specific objectives right now. I take things step by step, but I'm really happy to have made my debut at a young age. I'd like to thank Empoli; I owe the club a lot but now I'm at Inter I'd like to give my all here.”

Last season your first Serie A goal came against Inter at San Siro. Would you say that was maybe already a sign that you had a bond with Inter? “Maybe, that’s true. I got my first goal at San Siro and I was delighted with that but I'm maybe even happier now.”

I'm sure you can't wait to play in front of the Nerazzurri fans. Do you have a message for them? “I'm raring to go. I'd just like the fans to give us as much support as they can.”