Riyadh, day 4 - Together

Riyadh, we’re still here. We’ve got to know each other so well, and now we’re going to enjoy another three days together. We waited for the first event with lots of thoughts in our minds: there was the desire to take to the pitch as quickly as possible, the hope that we’d extend our stay, and the dream that we’d experience another joyous Inter moment together, as one.

Those who had travelled thousands of miles did so knowing one thing: the first game could be the last. But they had faith that this wouldn’t be the case. They all arrived in Riyadh today. From Milano and beyond. From Iraq, from Lebanon, from Bahrain. And from various other cities in Saudi Arabia. Today, Riyadh was the centre of the Nerazzurri universe.

It’s impossible not to feel all this affection. It’s impossible not to give absolutely everything for your people. When you see them in the stands, you realise that you’re not alone as you run. Suddenly, running faster becomes much easier.

You hear the whistle and it sets off a whirlwind of emotions. When the ball rolls, it’s such a wonderful sight that, at a certain point, the applause ringing around is no longer enough. You want more. It’s infectious, addictive, and you wish it would never end. Marcus, Hakan, Davide: there are those who blow a kiss and others who roar in delight.

The desire to earn another chance, to play another match trumps everything. That’s football for you: there’s always another game to play, and Riyadh will be our stage once again. We’re still here with our coach, with our players, with our people. Together.