He became the first defender from the U-21 European Championship’s finalists to leave Inter permanently. Giulio Donati, somewhat surprisingly, became one of the protagonists in Devi Mangia’s Italian U-21 national team a few weeks ago and has since been sold to Bayer Leverkusen and givevn Inter a gain of about 3 million. Donati can’t wait to start his adventure in Germany, but in the exclusive interview that our partner fcinternews.it has been granted by the player, there is also some sadness to leave.
What impact did your excellent Euros have on your move to Bayer Leverkusen?
“It was an indescribable feeling. Three years ago I started this journey with the national team and reaching the final was the culmination of an amazing journey. Certainly it would have been icing on the cake to win the trophy, but that’s okay. I got the chance to play and the confidence from Mangia. I think my performance was good, it meant that foreign teams were interested in me.”
What are your first impressions of Bayer?
“I can say that the level of the facilities are at the forefront. From the gym to the training ground, it is a step forward. The fact that I go from playing in Serie B to the Champions is a dream. There is a big difference in playing for a team on lower level, even in the Serie A, against playing for a top team in the Bundesliga battling for the cups.”
Did you expect more faith from Inter’?
“I can only thank Inter for not putting out any obstacles to these negotiations. They thought about their needs and maybe I wasn’t part of the project. Playing for Inter is not easy as there are many great players there. I don’t regard it as a failure, I saw it only as a dream to return to Inter. It’s really difficult. Now I have the chance to play for a team on the same level. Going to Germany is a great feeling and I have to thank Branca and Ausilio for the opportunity.”
The fans have rebelled against your sale.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with them. It started with my debut at the San Siro with Mourinho on the bench. It is easy to praise a player when he only did well during a European tournament. Inter’s supporters have always been close, even this year when I was in Grosseto. I’m sorry also for them to leave Inter.”
If Inter, one day would be looking for you, would you go back?
“Of course, what could be a better club than Inter? I would definitely return to Italy. Now I am happy to try an experience abroad. If I had been asked to stay I would have been the happiest person in the world. In the future you never know, it’s still a dream to play with shirt of the team that launched me.”
Source: fcinternews.it
