Ansaldi making up for lost time

APPIANO GENTILE – Cristian Ansaldi said he was focused on making up for lost time at Inter as he appeared on the third edition of Inter Channel’s Caffé Doppio programme on Thursday night.

The Argentine defender picked up an injury early on in his Nerazzurri career, but has battled back to become an important cog in the side.

"It was a slow process, but I worked hard and stayed humble and now I’m making up for lost time," said Ansaldi, whose comeback from injury was made all the harder by defeats against Sparta Prague in the Europa League then Roma in Serie A.

"It took a toll on our confidence," admitted the defender. "It’s not easy to work hard and not see results. But we’re Inter and we must aim to win."

Despite the name of the show, Ansaldi confessed that he prefers another beverage.

"I like coffee, but in Argentine we prefer mate. It’s a bitter tea made from hot water and various dried herbs."

Ansaldi was born in Rosario, a city that has spawned some of the great footballers of our times.

"Banega and Icardi are from there too," said the Inter No.15. "Football is the main sport in Argentina and Rosario is full of youngsters playing the game, so it’s only to be expected that so many make it.

"I used to love football as a kid – I always had a ball at my feet. I started when I was about four, playing with my friends after school. My first club was Newell’s, then I moved to Europe. There are some great rivalries in the Argentine league and that’s why so many Argentine players want to finish their careers back home. I don’t think I’ll become a manager myself."

Ansaldi also explained a little more about his family life here in Milan.

"My son is four years old – he already loves football but it’s too early to say whether he’ll become a player too," said Ansaldi. "My family is my rock. I was in Russia on my own for a year and it was tough, but when I was reunited with my family everyone was better.

"Aside from football, I like watching and playing tennis or ping pong. I have three kids so obviously we watch a lot of cartoons, but I like films too. I also enjoy playing the guitar, but I’m pretty rusty right now!"

Last but not least, Ansaldi urged his team-mates to bounce back from their blip against Juventus on Sunday.

"We have to keep doing what we’ve been doing over the past few weeks," he said. "The fans always want more. Personally I know what I’m capable of and know that if I work hard I can reach higher standards. If we play like we’ve shown we can, I know we can finish in the top three."