Inter legend and current Sampdoria coach Dejan Stankovic was grateful for the reception he received by the Nerazzurri fans after his side lost 3-0 in Serie A yesterday.
The former midfielder enjoyed a hugely successful spell as a player with Inter from 2004 until 2013, lifting the Serie A title five times in addition to the Champions League, and his return to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza as coach of the Blucerchiati led to a vocal reception from the home fans.
In an interview with Italian television broadcaster Sky Sport Italia after the final whistle, as reported by FCInterNews.it, the former Serbia international took the opportunity to thank Inter’s fans for their warm welcome, but admitted that during the game his sole focus was on securing a result for Sampdoria.
“My past at Inter was spectacular and I thank the fans for everything,” Stankovic stated.
“Then there was the game, enemies on the pitch, a battle with lots of emotions, but then when the referee blew the whistle my thoughts were only for Sampdoria.”
Meanwhile, the 44-year-old revealed that he enjoys a good friendship with current Inter striker Romelu Lukaku, stemming from the Belgian taking care of his two sons in the Nerazzurri’s Primavera side.
“He welcomed my children with open arms, took them under his protective wing. Romelu is a golden boy and I thank him,” Stankovic revealed.
Having joined Inter from Lazio in 2004, Stankovic became one of the club’s most decorated players and scored 42 goals in 326 appearances.
His impact at the club saw him inducted into Inter’s Hall of Fame in 2019.
