Inter's Geoffrey Kondogbia says he 'suffered' when first introduced to Serie A, but is now prepared to take on 'the most competitive league'.
The Frenchman was comparatively disappointing in his first year in Serie A, at least relative to his €31m price-tag, but he claims to have found his stride.
Inter's Geoffrey Kondogbia says he 'suffered' when first introduced to Serie A, but is now prepared to take on 'the most competitive league'.
The Frenchman was comparatively disappointing in his first year in Serie A, at least relative to his €31m price-tag, but he claims to have found his stride.
“Everything seems easier now,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I wasn't used to this type of training and I suffered from that. I don't think I had the wrong approach to Serie A, rather I believe very much depended from the training and the physical aspect.
“This championship is most definitely the most competitive, because it's the most complete in terms of physical challenge and tactical depth,” said the veteran of the French and the Spanish leagues.
“This year my objective is to play well in all of the games, with consistency. I want to return to the national team and be there for the 2018 World Cup. To do that, I'll need to keep up an excellent level with Inte rall year.”
Kondogbia's international teammates came only one game away from lifting the Euro Cup, and the 23-year-old still shakes his head at the defeat to Portugal.
“I saw the game, and it's incredible the way it went. It's a huge shame that we missed that opportunity. But this is football and we must congratulate Portugal on what they've been able to do.”
His friend and fellow Frenchman Paul Pogba had a so-so European Cup, but he did very well at Juventus last year, becoming among the great stars in Serie A.
“I speak with him often, yes, but we don't discuss football. I think we all have our paths to follow, that will take us each to our level in the necessary time. I don't think you can compare me and Paul…
“My price? When I took to the pitch I certainly wasn't thinking how much money had been paid for me. That's never been a problem.”