In a live question and answer session which was broadcast across Inter’s social media channels earlier on today, Inter centre back Andrea Ranocchia discussed a number of different topics, starting with what he has made of the whole Coronavirus situation and how he is keeping himself busy at home.

“Nobody could have expected such a thing, our generation but also that of our parents had never experienced such a situation, but we have to hold on and work as a team to get out of it as soon as possible,” he said.

“In these days I have taken some time for myself. Twice a day I train, interspersing different exercises and adapting them to the “home”, then I read, cook, listen to music and thus organise the day.

“We can’t help but stay indoors, safe, safeguarding us and others. I hope that everything will pass as soon as possible.”

Next he went on to discuss the difficult moments he has faced during his career and what he has has used the difficulties he has faced to help him do.

“On a sporting and personal level, I have experienced difficult moments, we all have ups and downs in life. There have been difficult moments in football, but there have always been opportunities for great growth and awareness to improve in the future.

“The difficulties help to train you, to date I am satisfied with what I have done and built since the beginning of my career, especially on a human level, which is very important for a footballer.”

Ranocchia then went on to reflect about the first time he came up against Inter as an opponent as well as his debut for the club.

“My first time at San Siro was as an opponent, and it coincided with my debut in Serie A, I was at Bari and we drew against the treble winning, it was a beautiful match and an unforgettable emotion.

“My debut for Inter happened away to Catania, I entered for a few minutes at the end of the match and I remember the emotion, because officially joining the team that had won everything the year before was a unique feeling, playing at the side of those players for me was the best things.

“The team we have today is a good team, we still have to grow but the club has made many signings. Conte has that warrior spirit, he has not changed from his past as a player.”

Ranocchia then went on to discuss some of the most significant moments of his time representing the Nerazzurri, something he has done on no less than 201 occasions in his nine and a bit years on the club’s books.

“There have been many important moments with Inter, obviously the joys are linked to the trophies won, I remember when we won the Italian Cup in Rome against Palermo, winning with this shirt has a different, unique flavor.

“The block I made against Bayern Munich is also a nice memory, saving that goal made me proud of being able to pass the round against a strong team and at home. It remains an indelible memory.”

The Italian then went on to speak about what it meant to him to wear the captain’s armband for Inter.

“Wearing that armband after Zanetti was a beautiful legacy, a great satisfaction and a lot of responsibility. It does not happen to everyone to be able to wear the armband of such an important club, it is something that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Next he went on to discuss some of his favourite Inter memories of all time and also revealed he remains in touch with a number of his former teammates.

“Certainly the most important Inter goals are those of Milito in the Champions League final. Those are the goals that are most remembered, even if all those that were made to get to play that game were fundamental.

“To have entered the dressing room the following year, to have known those players closely was wonderful. There are many Inter footballers of the past with whom I have stayed in touch, I spoke to Materazzi a few days ago, I see Zanetti often and Stankovic and Chivu. I saw Cambiasso recently and I wrote to Milito on Instagram, just like I do with Jonathan.”

Ranocchia then went on to reveal who his football idol was when he was growing up and spoke on some of the special shirts he has collected throughout his career.

“When I was a child I was an attacker, I was already very tall, so they put me up top, my idol was Ronaldo. When I became a central defender I was always inspired by Nesta.

“I have exchanged several jerseys with my opponents, I have a full warehouse that one day I will fix and order and I will remember many memories of the matches I played in.

“I always keep a shirt as a souvenir from each of my years with Inter. I have four shirts hanging at home. One is Javier Zanetti’s, one of Nesta’s, one of Buffon’s Italy jerseys and one of Paolo Maldini’s.”

He then spoke briefly on Inter teen sensation Sebastiano Esposito: “I often talk to him on the pitch, he has a lot of talent.

He concluded by discussing his plans for the future.

“My future? I am thinking about what to do next but I still do not know. I would like to stay working in football and work with young people but I have several ideas in mind and I will evaluate them once I finish playing.”

The post Inter Defender Ranocchia: “I’ll Remember Captaining Inter For The Rest Of My Life” appeared first on Sempreinter.

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