Calhanoglu: ‘Inzaghi’s Inter secret, best season of my career’

Hakan Calhanoglu reveals the secret to Simone Inzaghi’s success with Inter and the midfielder acknowledges this has been ‘the best season’ of his career.

The Nerazzurri had already won the Scudetto on April 22 and had their open-top bus parade a week later, but were only presented with the trophy and their medals today at a packed San Siro.

“It’s wonderful and we are very happy,” Calhanoglu told DAZN and Sky Sport Italia.

“After this season, we need to repeat ourselves and take Inter as high as possible. We must not stop now that we have the 20^th Scudetto, there is always more to be won.”

The future is more uncertain than ever at Inter, as owners Suning and the Zhang family have until the end of Monday to repay the €395m including interest loan to Oaktree or see the club repossessed by the American investment fund.

“We players just have to focus on the pitch and bringing trophies to this important club. We spoke to President Zhang on a livestream and we are waiting for him to come back here soon.”

New role for Calhanoglu

Calhanoglu had been an attacking midfielder for most of his career, but when Marcelo Brozovic was injured last season, Inzaghi transformed him into a very effective deep-lying playmaker.

“Mentally, it was not difficult to adapt, but I did need confidence and to believe in that role. Inzaghi’s secret is that we are like friends. He is our coach, but is open with us and we talk all the time. He is always more agitated before a match, but overall is calm and positive.

“I think this has been the best season of my career. They say that once you get to 29 or 30, you have that valuable experience.”

The Turkey international had been upset with his former Milan teammates mocking him during their Scudetto celebrations and was eager not to do the same.

“I always have respect and that must never change. There are no club colours when it comes to friendship, I still have a good rapport with the others and I respect them. If nothing from them comes my way, that is not a problem, that chapter is closed. I am happy to be here at Inter.”