Inter Milan & Italy Midfielder Opens Up On Changing Positions As A Youngster: “I Wanted To Quit Training” | OneFootball

Inter Milan star midfielder Davide Frattesi admits he struggled to accept a position change during his youth academy days.

In his latest interview with Vivo Azzurro TV, as reported by FCInterNews, Frattesi discussed numerous topcis, including his relationship with Italy boss Luciano Spalletti.

While he has not always been Simone Inzaghi’s first choice at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, the 25-year-old has been a permanent first-team fixture for Gli Azzurri.

Spalletti keeps Davide Frattesi in high regard.

And the feeling is mutual, with the midfielder confirming he fulfilled his dream of representing his country on the grandest stage.

“I saw the national team as a dream when I was a kid, something extraordinary,” Frattesi explained.

“Playing for my club brought me joy, but the national team was something even more special.

“Today, I approach it with the aim of bringing that same joy to the children we once were.

“Even though we haven’t managed to do so recently, we’re working to make those dreams come true.”

He also recalled the time he received his maiden call-up.

“I didn’t know yet, and a friend called to congratulate me. I went online to read about it, and, of course, it was an emotional moment.”

Inter Milan Ace Davide Frattesi Opens Up On Relationship With Luciano Spalleti

“I jokingly say it’s been a love-hate relationship,” he admitted.

“During my first training camp, we talked. He told me he had a lot of respect for me but that I’d be the player he’d push the hardest.

“I take it the right way: if a coach is on your case, it’s because he sees something in you and wants you to improve.

“I feel great, and I’ve already improved in certain areas, like ball control. There’s always room for growth, but I’ve definitely made progress.”

Frattesi recalled his best memories with Italy.

“For me, the matches against Ukraine stand out. I had just arrived at Inter, at San Siro, and it was a challenging game.

“That was the most thrilling and crucial one. It was unexpected because you don’t anticipate a midfielder scoring a brace.

“I think, in fact, the only time I had done that before was with the U21 team.”

Inter Milan Midfielder Davide Frattesi Explains How Position Change Affected Him In Youth Category

“I didn’t handle the transformation from forward to midfielder well. In Lazio’s youth team, I had Francheschini as my coach.

“He told me he felt I wasn’t reaching my full potential as a forward and would move me to play as a mezzala. I wanted to quit training.

“But I’ll never stop thanking him because that position change brought me here. When I talk to him now, we sometimes joke about it.”

Frattesi’s father was an influential figure during his early footballing career.

“Looking back, more than my own sacrifices, I see my parents,” the Inter star stated.

“They really went above and beyond. I also played tennis, so I was busy every day, including weekends. The sacrifice was really theirs.

“My mom follows me everywhere – the only issue is that if there isn’t a gym nearby, she’s reluctant to go because she’s a fitness fanatic.

“She’s been coming to my games since my Under-16 days. My grandma is kind of our mascot.

“We try to include her in everything, always bring her along on vacations, and she’s game for anything we suggest

“My father and I were driving back from an away game. I was behind the wheel, and he fell asleep – he looked so tired.

“I said to him, ‘Sorry, you’ve been making sacrifices for 40 years. If you have the chance, why don’t you stop working and enjoy life?’

“I shouldn’t have said it; he almost made me get out of the car! He’s a proud man – I already knew what his answer would be.”

Outside The Pitch

Frattesi insists he doesn’t enjoy football outside the pitch.

“I don’t watch much soccer; I actually prefer tennis. In my free time, my all-year-round passions are things like building Lego sets – there’s always one on our kitchen table waiting to be assembled.

“And when I can, I go fishing. I just say goodbye to everyone and take off for three or four hours on my own.

“It’s a big stress reliever because it lets you disconnect from everything and everyone.

“This year, I finally took my brother along after ten years of going solo. Now he’s the one pestering me to go.”