The French striker: “I was an Inter fan even as a child. Thanks to my agent, I fell in love with Ornella`s songs. Her voice is so French…”
“Accepting this strange appointment (was not) a madness,” sings Ange-Yoan Bonny, Inter`s new 21-year-old rising star, who possesses the maturity and tastes of a thirty-year-old. Cristian Chivu is like a father figure who wanted him after their time together at Parma, and is now ready to unleash him on the San Siro stage. Bonny`s two pre-season goals for the Nerazzurri are just the opening notes from the talented Frenchman.
Bonny, the friendlies are over: ready for the league season?
“We`ve prepared properly. The friendlies helped me understand how the team plays, how I can be most useful, and what my teammates expect from me. A large part of the group has known each other for years, but us new players are also adapting well. The training was tough, but our legs are starting to feel good…”
So, it`s true you worked so hard?
“Yes, it was really intense. The intensity of the training sessions is what impressed me the most, but it`s necessary. You realize you`re filling up your tank, and you`ll need it later. Given our objectives, a team like Inter needs to be ready to play many matches and leaves nothing behind.”
How do you evaluate this first month with Inter?
“It`s been a month of adaptation, discovery, and also effort, but truly wonderful. I arrived in a completely new world, but my teammates welcomed me like a little brother. I should list them all because, together, they create an almost family-like atmosphere.”
Chivu is the head of the family. Happy to reunite with him?
“My relationship with him hasn`t changed; he`s the same coach from Parma, just at a higher level, but with the same qualities. He`s direct, demanding, honest. I`m very happy to have crossed paths with him at the right moment in my career. I owe him so much; if I`m here, it`s partly thanks to him. Now I`m very motivated and I`ll try to carve out my space because this is just the beginning. But I like this beginning…”
Is it true you rejected other big clubs for Inter?
“Several teams wanted me, but I had no doubts: when Inter comes calling, you don`t think twice. This team was what I wanted; I wanted to live my childhood dream here. As soon as I signed, I posted a photo on social media of myself as a child in an Inter jersey. It was destiny… That was the first football shirt my mom bought me when I was six; I`m tied to it for life. And besides, this is a very French club, given the champions it has had.”
Speaking of French players, is the number 14 you wear a tribute to Henry?
“No, it`s because 13 was taken, so I shifted one over. 13 is the number I`ve always had because my whole family, I mean my whole family, was born on that day: father, mother, brother, sister…”
Do you feel the pressure of being bought for 23 million euros with only one real year of Serie A experience?
“They`re just numbers; they shouldn`t weigh on me. It`s not my job to think about the price, but to work hard because I have so much to improve. In everything, but two things in particular: composure in front of goal, because I need to score more, and also aerial play.”
With Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez in the squad, there`s no shortage of teachers.
“I study them; I try to understand the nuances, how they move, with or without the ball. I do it to try to get closer to their level one day; right now, I`m very far. Both Lautaro and Thuram told me two simple things, like older brothers: first, `enjoy yourself.` Second, `always aim for goal,` because we are forwards and we are also judged by the goals we score.”
Do you like being called the “new Thuram”?
“Of course, but I think it`s just because of the physical resemblance…”
In such an attack, where would you prefer to play?
“Here, we can all play with each other. Even all together, why not? I like playing as a second striker and I can also play as a center-forward if needed. But I also feel comfortable starting from deep. The fact that I played as a midfielder for years in the youth ranks helps me read situations in the attacking midfield and understand the movements of others.”
Do you feel a special affection from the fans for you and Pio Esposito?
“I feel attention and love; I noticed it in the friendlies, and now I`m just waiting for the roar at San Siro. There was an immediate feeling between me and Pio, and not just because we`re young, but because we`re similar. He`s also polite, has clear ideas, keeps his feet on the ground, and doesn`t get carried away. We had played against each other in U21, and even then, he impressed me. He has incredible physical strength; can I say he`s a beast?”
You also grew up fast in Parma, though…
“I arrived at 17, alone. At first, it wasn`t easy in a new country with a different language, but I spent wonderful years in Parma.”
What remains with you from practicing judo as a child?
“Everything helps build a mentality and a physique. My mom enrolled me in judo somewhat randomly, but I have many good memories, even if it wasn`t enough to tire me out in the end. For me, the tatami was too small, and I preferred running on the field. I love many other sports, from basketball to padel, and I`m good at ping pong, although I haven`t challenged anyone here yet.”
What kind of person is Ange-Yoan off the field?
“A normal 21-year-old who likes to spend time with family, go out with friends, play video games, and watch a good series. The latest one is called Mobland. I`m very religious, and because of that, I strive to be respectful to everyone; being footballers doesn`t make us superior… My mother got me into music, soul, and jazz. Before going onto the field, I listen to the same song, Everything in its Right Place by Radiohead.”
Surprising tastes in Italy too?
“Yes, Ornella Vanoni, my favorite. The first time I heard her at my agent`s house, that voice struck me; it was so French…”
But do you know Vanoni is a Milan fan?
“Who cares? When I listen to L`appuntamento, I feel something magical. It`s like scoring a goal.”
