Youngster looking ahead to big season with Italian giants.
Inter forward Ishak Belfodil is flattered that comparisons have been made with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, but “doesn’t want to think about it”.
The 21-year-old sealed a move to the San Siro earlier this summer after an impressive campaign for Parma last year.
With 11 goals in 33 appearances, the Nerazzurri believe they saw enough to suggest that the youngster has a bright future ahead, and along with Mauro Icardi he will hope to become an integral part of the squad for years to come.
Nevertheless, having started out at Lyon before moving to Italy last year, Belfodil is happy with the comparisons being made between him and Benzema, but is keen to follow his own path and continue to improve after what he perceived to be a lack of faith in his ability in France.
“It is a compliment for me and it’s not the first time I have heard that, but I don’t want to think about it,” he told L’Equipe as reported by Football Italia.
“It is only normal that there will be comparisons, seeing as we share origins and football characteristics.
“I ran a risk when I first went to Bologna, but I wanted to believe in it. At Lyon everyone said they were counting on me, but ultimately there was very little faith in me. I had little playing time, but I have no rancour.”
Inter will hope to have got the better of a deal which saw Antonio Cassano make the switch to the Tardini, but with a youthful strikeforce expected to lead the line for new coach Walter Mazzarri next season, they have undoubtedly taken steps to address the long-term future.
While it is still early to assess Belfodil’s impact since his arrival, he will hope to be a permanent fixture in Mazzarri’s squad as the new campaign draws closer.
COMMENTS