Calhanoglu Discusses Future and Recent Performance Ahead of Juventus Match

In the lead-up to a friendly match against Juventus at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Hakan Calhanoglu shared insights during an extensive interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. The midfielder touched on various topics, including his physical condition, the recent World Cup experience, and his aspirations with Inter.

Current Physical Condition Calhanoglu expressed satisfaction with his fitness levels, thanking coach Chivu for allowing him extra rest following the World Cup. "I’m feeling good. I was a bit mentally drained, but I’ve had the chance to recover. The training is intense, but I'm improving," he stated.

Reflections on the World Cup The Turkish captain reflected on his national team's disappointing World Cup campaign, noting, "We had high hopes after 24 years, but things didn’t go as planned. It’s unfortunate, especially for a passionate nation like ours. However, we must look forward. I’m determined to try again in 2030."

Success with Inter Calhanoglu's season with Inter concluded on a high note, particularly highlighted by his crucial goal against Roma, which many consider pivotal for the Scudetto race. "It was a delicate moment for us. I'm not sure if it was the decisive goal, but I don’t hesitate to shoot when I see the space. That's just my style," he explained, recalling his past experiences where he scored long-range goals.

His Development as a Player When asked about his evolution, Calhanoglu credited both talent and hard work. "I practiced with my father as a child, focusing on power and precision. An academy coach, Stefan Gross, helped me refine my skills. He’s the father of Pascal, who plays for Brighton," he mentioned.

Inspirations and Role Models Calhanoglu revealed that he looks up to Juninho for technical inspiration, saying, "He’s the best, and I’ve tried to emulate him."

The Changing Role of Playmakers Addressing the decline of traditional playmakers, he remarked, "It’s a tough question. My journey has been unique; I started as a number 10 and later transitioned to a number 6. There are many talented midfielders with different attributes today."

His Journey at Inter Reflecting on his time at Inter, he noted, "I began with Giampaolo at Milan, but I wasn’t mentally ready then. When Brozovic left, Inzaghi saw me as a playmaker, and it worked well."

Scoring More Goals Interestingly, Calhanoglu has been scoring more frequently lately, attributing this to receiving more opportunities from outside the box. "If the chance arises, I shoot," he affirmed.

Commitment to Inter When discussing his future with the club, Calhanoglu expressed contentment in Milan, where he and his family have settled well. However, he clarified, "My future doesn’t depend solely on me but on the club. There have been no discussions about a contract renewal. I focus on playing. We’ve achieved a lot together, winning eight trophies and reaching two Champions League finals. The fans care for me, and I reciprocate that affection."

Rumors of a Return to Turkey He addressed ongoing rumors linking him to a move to Turkey, stating, "I don’t understand why my name keeps coming up. As the national team captain, I might talk to club presidents about players, but my manager handles the market."

On Young Talent at Inter With the return of Stankovic to Inter, Calhanoglu expressed optimism about the young player’s development, saying, "He’s matured and understands the game better. He can still learn from all of us."

Goals for the Upcoming Season Looking ahead, Calhanoglu aims to defend Inter's titles and dreams of reaching another Champions League final, asserting, "We can compete with anyone; we are strong."

Personal Aspirations He also hopes to have fewer injuries this season, acknowledging the frustration of missing matches due to fitness issues. "Sometimes, prevention isn’t enough; there’s an element of chance involved," he noted.

Post-Career Plans As for his future after football, Calhanoglu has not made any definitive plans, stating, "I don’t see myself as a coach. Perhaps as an agent or sporting director, but I could also envision being the president of the Turkish federation."

A New Look Finally, he shared a personal note about his recent hair transplant, humorously mentioning how his teammates tease him about it. "I feel better now," he concluded.