Milan Skriniar has confirmed that ‘very little’ separates him from signing a new contract with Inter.
Skriniar has been the subject of transfer speculation for several months, but the defender made it clear he was committed to Inter, while dismissing links with Real Madrid.
When asked how much was left for him to put pen to paper, he told DAZN: “Very little.
“I believe my future is here. “I don't know where this thing about Real Madrid came from.
Milan Skriniar has confirmed that ‘very little’ separates him from signing a new contract with Inter.
Skriniar has been the subject of transfer speculation for several months, but the defender made it clear he was committed to Inter, while dismissing links with Real Madrid.
When asked how much was left for him to put pen to paper, he told DAZN: “Very little.
“I believe my future is here. “I don't know where this thing about Real Madrid came from.
“Taking stock is easy. If we win three games we’re there. We must win in Udine. It’s a difficult match because they have something important to play for, but it also is for us. We must win there.
“I don’t think about the captain’s armband. I just think about playing. Nothing necessarily changes with it.
“You gain extra responsibility, but even if you don’t have it you always have to give everything on the field and fight.
“The fans have asked me to change my name many times! In my opinion, they’re happy with it now.
“When I arrived from Samp it was a disaster, but now they have no problems.”
The Slovakian was then asked about his toughest opponent and the best players in his position.
“I don’t know who the best is because there are so many different strikers around.
“Ronaldo, for example, is very quick, but then there are strikers who fight for every ball.
“This season, perhaps the most difficult to mark was Dzeko. He’s physically very strong.
“He made it difficult for us in our away match against Roma. Sometimes I study my opponents by watching videos.
“I look at their strengths and weaknesses, but at the end of the day I have to concentrate mainly on my performance.
“I miss scoring a lot. I’m looking a goal and I’ll try to score in our last four games. The best defender at marking? Van Dijk. Heading? Koulibaly.
“Positioning? My partner De Vrij. Am I the best at one-on-ones? You have to say it!
“Sergio Ramos doesn’t seem like the best but often, given that Marcelo gets up to attack, he finds himself playing 1 v 2. For me, he’s very good.”
Finally, the 24-year-old paid tribute to Sampdoria boss and former mentor Marco Giampaolo.
“Unfortunately we lost 1-0, but I have to thank Mr. Giampaolo because he always gave me confidence, even after the mistakes I made.
“He waited for me to frow, and I owe him so much for that. My first six months at Samp were difficult.
“I didn’t think I’d have a career like this. I've always wanted to play for a big club like the one I’m at today.
“I knew that things could change in an instant. I think I can still improve a lot.”