Skriniar: "We mustn't lower our guard"

APPIANO GENTILE – Milan Skriniar has spoken of his eagerness to get stuck into the new campaign as he returned to the Suning Training Centre for an individual session on Wednesday.

The centre-back played three games for Slovakia at the European Championship but is now rested and raring to go again.

“It's always nice to come back here,” he told Inter TV. “There's such a great team spirit. It's been a while since we've seen each other. Now we're back with a new coach and backroom team and we're already looking forward to the new season.”

Skriniar had hoped to enjoy a longer EURO 2020 campaign, especially after scoring the winner in their opening game against Poland, but sadly it wasn't to be.

“We were all so happy after that goal because we hoped to make it through to the knockout stage, but then we lost two games and were eliminated. We were massively disappointed but it's in the past now and I'm focusing on the new season with Inter. 

“Obviously I'm delighted for [Nicolo] Barella and [Alessandro] Bastoni as they got to win the tournament. They deserved it because Italy played so well. We messaged each other and I also spoke to Lautaro [Martinez], who capped off a super season by winning the Copa America. They'll enjoy a well-deserved break now and we'll wait for them to return.”

The 26-year-old also spoke of Inter's desire to defend their Scudetto crown in 2021/22.

“My personal objectives for the coming season are the same as usual: to fight for the Inter cause and help the team. We won the title last year and we mustn't lower our guard this season. We believe we can win it can. I hope to be able to do my bit as always – and maybe even score a few more goals.”