Denzel Dumfries explains how his teammates have helped him settle in at Inter and admits the penalty kick he caused against Juventus was the worst moment for him at San Siro.
The Netherlands international signed with the Nerazzurri in the summer and took a while to become a regular starter under Simone Inzaghi.
However, the 25-year-old has quickly changed his status in the blue and black half of Milan, playing 11 of Inter’s last 12 games and starting seven of them.
His increased playing time was also due to an injury to Matteo Darmian, but Dumfries justified Inzaghi’s choices scoring three goals and delivering two assists in the process.
“Everything was new for me at the beginning, the last few months were fun, but also intense,” the defender told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I’ve tried to learn as quickly as possible. I talk to the staff and I listen and learn.
“There is a different culture and a different language, but football is always the same and you need to play it.
“The staff has been helping me and I am grateful to everyone.”
Back in October, he was introduced as a sub in the second half of the match against Juventus and caused a late penalty kick with a clumsy tackle. Paulo Dybala converted the spot-kick, forcing Inter to a 1-1 draw. How much did the incident affect him?
“A lot, it was the toughest moment,” Dumfries admitted.
“It was the most important game of the season, but I’ve always felt the club’s support. Danilo D’Ambrosio scored against Empoli the following week and celebrated by running towards me to hug me.
“It had never happened to me before. It was a positive shock. I understood that everyone was supporting me.
“On the other hand, the goal against Roma gave me more self confidence and I can’t forget the Supercoppa. My first big trophy and an incredible atmosphere.”
Who are the other players helping him?
“Stefan [De Vrij] has been crucial. It’s nice to have a compatriot who speaks the same language. We even come from the same area in Holland. But I have a close bond with other teammates as well, especially Hakan Calhanoglu and Ivan Perisic.”
What does he like about Inzaghi?
“His determination and passion. I’ve never seen anything similar. He is inside the match. He runs almost as if he was with us on the pitch. He is a guide and one who connects people.”
What was the most surprising thing he experienced at Inter so far?
“One day, during my day off, I went to the training group and I thought I would meet nobody. On the contrary, there were 12 or 13 teammates training. It was surprising. It doesn’t happen in Holland. A day off is a day off, but it made me understand the level of professionality of everyone.”
