Ibrahima Mbaye has been interviewed by Corriere dello Sport. The nineteen-year-old defender, back from a good season on a personal level even if it culminated in relegation, spoke from San Vito Lo Capo, where he is enjoying the holidays with his agent Beppe Accardi. There was talk, of course, about Inter, the team that owns his rights and that seems to want to focus on him for the future.
Mbaye, how would you rate yourself and your season at Livorno?
“I’m pretty happy, but I can do more. I have to improve in so many ways.”
Sorry for the relegation?
“We all did our best in every game and in this respect we have little to reproach.”
Not even the many saves by Bardi was enough…
“Francesco is really a great goalkeeper and a great person.”
On the other hand, what do you think about Duncan?
“He’s my big brother. He is similar to Muntari, but he can become even stronger.”
And Benassi?
“A very good midfielder. I hope he can go far.”
What are your impressions after your first ‘real’ season in Serie A?
“A nice experience in a great city. I had fun and I learned so much.”
Inter are planning to bring you home. Would you like to return to Milan?
“Who wouldn’t be happy to play at Inter… The decision, however, must be taken by the leaders: I’m a football player, I play and I do what my club tells me to do. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying the holidays.”
How close do you feel to Inter?
“Very much and to the youth sector of Inter I will always be thankful because they gave me an important chance when I arrived in Milan at age 14.”
You made your debud in the first team, however, under Stramaccioni.
“With whom we had won the Next Gen with the Primavera. Another good memory.”
Mazzarri, on the other hand, you met during the retreat last year.
“He’s a good coach, but I was with the team a short time.”
What will you do in the summer?
“I’ll stay in Italy a little and enjoy the holidays with the Accardi family, then I will go to Senegal, to Dakar, home to my mom, my sister , my brother and my grandmother.”
A dream that you’re having?
“Playing in the national team and a great team. I’m working for it.”
Who is your idol?
“I don’t have an idol, but players who I respect very much like Barzagli, Samuel and Chivu.”
All three are central defenders. Do you feel more like a central defender or outside?
“I don’t have a favorite role. It’s enough for me to play.”
Have you ever confronted racism on the pitch?
“Very often, but I ignore it. It’s Not easy to control yourself, but these things unfortunately happen.”
What do you think in those moments when you’re insulted because of the color of your skin?
“That I’ve been living in Italy for five years, and Italy is not racist. The stupid behavior from two to three people in a stadium doesn’t make me change my mind about your country.”
Source: fcinternews.it
