Post by Taxigirl on Aug 26, 2005 8:45:44 GMT
www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/aug26c.html
New Inter signing Luis Figo says he will have to adapt to the Italian mentality if he is to prove a success in Italy.
The winger was recognised as one of Europe’s top players at Real Madrid but admits he has to confirm himself all over again.
"Despite the two countries (Spain and Italy) being so close to each other, there are great differences between them, especially when it comes to mentality," he told Sky Italia.
"I need to quickly adapt to the Italian philosophy. I’m doing all that I can to help the side and win what is winnable.
"Football is about the present and I am here to demonstrate my worth, no matter what my past suggests.
"It is my objective to integrate myself in this team as soon as possible. I have a great desire to adapt to Italian football."
It’s still unclear whether Figo will start on Sunday for the Nerazzurri against Treviso, seeing as his transfer from Real took some time to complete.
"I have been working very hard for the last two weeks, even if I haven’t played a proper match for about a month now and I subsequently lack match fitness," he added.
"But this shouldn’t be Figo’s Inter, it should be a side who belongs to the Interisti, their own supporters."
One of the key factors in Figo’s switch was the intervention of club owner Massimo Moratti.
"There was a natural feeling between ourselves," noted the former Barcelona star. "He is a great man who instantly made me feel that he has belief in me and affection for me."
Meanwhile, Figo has been included in the Portugal squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Russia.
New Inter signing Luis Figo says he will have to adapt to the Italian mentality if he is to prove a success in Italy.
The winger was recognised as one of Europe’s top players at Real Madrid but admits he has to confirm himself all over again.
"Despite the two countries (Spain and Italy) being so close to each other, there are great differences between them, especially when it comes to mentality," he told Sky Italia.
"I need to quickly adapt to the Italian philosophy. I’m doing all that I can to help the side and win what is winnable.
"Football is about the present and I am here to demonstrate my worth, no matter what my past suggests.
"It is my objective to integrate myself in this team as soon as possible. I have a great desire to adapt to Italian football."
It’s still unclear whether Figo will start on Sunday for the Nerazzurri against Treviso, seeing as his transfer from Real took some time to complete.
"I have been working very hard for the last two weeks, even if I haven’t played a proper match for about a month now and I subsequently lack match fitness," he added.
"But this shouldn’t be Figo’s Inter, it should be a side who belongs to the Interisti, their own supporters."
One of the key factors in Figo’s switch was the intervention of club owner Massimo Moratti.
"There was a natural feeling between ourselves," noted the former Barcelona star. "He is a great man who instantly made me feel that he has belief in me and affection for me."
Meanwhile, Figo has been included in the Portugal squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Russia.