in , , , , , , , ,

Inter Milan star says Manchester United link gives him ‘extra motivation’ to win UCL final

Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale looks on during a game against Lazio.
Matteo Darmian of FC Internazionale looks on during a game against Lazio. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Matteo Darmian admits to having extra motivation to win the Champions League for his former club Manchester United

Former Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian, currently playing for Inter Milan, admits to having extra motivation to beat Manchester City in the Champions League Final.

After failing to stop City in their treble tracks last weekend by losing the FA Cup Final, United pin their hopes on Inter to stop that team from emulating what the Red Devils did back in 1999.

It won’t be easy though as Pep Guardiola’s men are superior in every department when compared to the Italian side. But, this is a one-off final and anything can happen. Moreover, we have seen miracles happening in Istanbul (remember 2005?). Inter might need to channel the Liverpool spirit to beat City.

Matteo Darmian wants to win the Champions League for former club Manchester United.
Matteo Darmian wants to win the Champions League for former club Manchester United. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Here’s what Darmian said in an interview before the final on Saturday (h/t Daily Mail, via Manchester Evening News):

“Being a former United player is probably extra motivation. It will be good to play against them. It will be like a derby for me.

“We need to be ready and play our own game to beat them. It will not be easy. They are the best team in the world but we have our qualities and we have to show them. We have the ability to beat them.”

Although the Italian couldn’t cut it at Old Trafford, his career has taken a jump upon joining Inter. He is playing as a wide centre-back there and doing an exceptional job. More of the same will be needed to stop Erling Haaland and Co.

The pace and trickery of Lautaro Martinez may cause issues for the City defence, while Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku could prove to be handy for them.

Can former United striker Romelu Lukaku help Inter beat City?
Can former United striker Romelu Lukaku help Inter beat City?

For United, even though they lost the FA Cup final, Erik ten Hag has done an excellent job in his first season at the club.

More Manchester United News

What City and Inter do is out of his and United’s hands. So, the focus must be on doing well in the coming transfer window and buying the right players to strengthen the squad before the start of next season. Will ten Hag get the necessary backing amidst takeover confusion? Let’s hope so.

Written by Mizgan Masani

Harry Maguire 'fearful' of being forced out of Manchester United next summer.

Aston Villa join London giants in the race to sign 30-year-old Manchester United star

Pundit says one Manchester United starlet is now worth £100m in transfer market

“The idea is”- National team boss wants to give senior debut to upcoming Manchester United star