Bonnie: Many teams want me, but I just want to join Inter Milan & this is my childhood dream

Hupu, August 20th, Inter Milan striker Bonnie accepted an exclusive interview with the Milan Sports Daily

The warm-up match is over. Are you ready to enter the league?

"We are fully prepared. The warm-up match is an opportunity to let me understand the team's playing style, which can let me know what I can deliver, and what my teammates expect from me. Most of the people in the team have been familiar with each other for many years, but we newcomers have adapted well: although the preparation period is very hard, everyone's legs have begun to sway..."

Is the training really so tiring?

"Yes, it's very hard, the intensity of the training is what impressed me the most, but it's also a must. You realize that you are refueling into the tank and these will come in handy later. Looking at the goal ahead, a team like Inter Milan must be ready to play many games and cannot miss any event."

How do you evaluate your first month with the Nerazzurri?

"Adapting to the team is my main job this month. Although I feel tired, everything is really good. I came to a completely strange world, but my teammates accepted me, just like I am their little brother. Actually, I should have listed their names because they create an almost family-like atmosphere together."

The head of the family here is Ziwo. Are you happy to meet him again?

"My relationship with him has not changed. He was my coach when he was in Parma. He is just at a higher level now, but the same quality has not changed - he is straightforward, strict and honest. I am very happy to meet him at the right moment in my career. His contribution is indispensable to me. Now I am full of fighting spirit and want to fight for my position. Everything is just beginning, but I like this 'start' very much..."

Have you really rejected other wealthy families for Inter Milan?

"Many teams want me, but I don't worry: when Inter Milan looks for you, you won't hesitate. This team is exactly what I want, and this is where I realize my childhood dream. As soon as I signed the contract, I posted a photo of me wearing a blue and black jersey when I was a child. This is fate... That was the first jersey my mother bought for me when I was 6 years old. I have been closely connected with it all my life. And this is a club with a very French tradition. Let's take a look at the champions that I once had."

Speaking of the French, are you wearing No. 14 to pay tribute to Henry?

"No, just because No. 13 was occupied, I extended one. No. 13 has always been my number because everyone in my family, yes, I am talking about everyone, they were born on that day: father, mother, brother, sister..."

Do you think it is a pressure to buy it for only one full season in Serie A?

"This is just a number, it should not be a burden. Considering that price is not my job, my job is to sweat desperately because I have a lot to improve. I need to improve in all aspects, especially these two points: one is the calmness in front of the goal, because I need to score more goals; the other is the ability to head."

With Tulam and Lautaro in the team, there should be no shortage of teachers.

"I will learn from them and try to understand their details, such as the way they run when they have and have no balls. This is done so that one day I can get close to their level, and now I am still far from them. Lautaro and Tulam both told me two simple things like big brothers: first, 'enjoy the game'. Second, 'always look for goals' because we are forwards, people will judge us by the number of goals."

Do you like being called 'New Tulam'?

"Of course I like it, but I think it should be just because of the similar appearance..."

In such a forward configuration, what position do you prefer to play?

"Everyone can cooperate with others here, and even we can play together. I like to play second forward, and I can play center if I need it, but I also like to start from behind. My years of playing midfield in the youth team helped me better read the situation in the third area and understand other people's running positions."

Have you felt the special support from fans for you and Pio?

"I already felt the attention and love of the fans during the warm-up match. Now I am just waiting to hear cheers in San Siro. There was a tacit understanding between Pio and I immediately developed, not only because we were young, but also because we were very similar. He was also a polite, clear-minded, down-to-earth, and not arrogant guy. We had a fight at the U21, and he impressed me at that time: he had amazing physical strength, almost a beast."

But you grew up very quickly in Parma...

"I came here alone when I was 17 years old. It was not easy to start with a new country and in different languages, but I spent a few wonderful years in Parma."

What did practicing judo bring to you in childhood?

"Everything I've been through helps build my mindset and body. My mom signed me up for judo class at the time and left me with many good memories, although it wasn't enough to get tired of me in the end: the tatami is too small for me, and I prefer running on the court. I love a lot of other sports, from basketball to slab tennis to table tennis, and I play well, although I haven't challenged anyone else here."