Dumfries: “I’ll give everything I can for Inter”

MILAN - Denzel Dumfries has spoken to DAZN about his start to life at Inter, days after the Dutchman made his Nerazzurri debut at San Siro.

What was your debut at San Siro like?

“It was amazing. My family was at the stadium too and they were very happy and proud. It was a really special moment for me when I took to the field as an Inter player for the first time. One of my idols was Maicon – a brilliant player.”

There have been lots of legends at Inter over the years, including Javier Zanetti…

“Yes, he wrote me a message when I joined Inter and gave me a warm welcome. What would I like to ask him? How to play as many games for Inter as he did! The team won the Scudetto last season, but I don’t feel pressure. I’ll play my game and give my all for Inter.”

Is it true that you’re named after the actor Denzel Washington?

“Yes, it’s true. That’s the reason my parents chose the name Denzel. My father was born in Aruba and my mother is originally from Suriname. I’ve been to Aruba lots of times, on holiday too. It’s paradise – a wonderful place where the people are very welcoming. I love visiting any time I get the chance, partly because some of my family live there. It’s always nice to go back.”

What kind of relationship do you have with Stefan de Vrij?

“Stefan de Vrij played a key role in my transfer. He spoke to me about Inter – he started over two years ago, at the national team. He always told me that it’s a great club, that he hoped I’d join one day. I’m finally here now and we’re both happy because of that. I’m very grateful to him – he helped me a lot, with the language too, and I’m very pleased with our relationship.”

You’re the eleventh Dutchman to play for Inter. Can you name the other ten?

“I can try! I’ll start with Stefan de Vrij, then Luc Castaignos, Wesley Sneijder, Faas Wilkes, Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Dennis Bergkamp, Aron Winter, Wim Jonk and Andy Van Der Meyde.”

Are you learning Italian?

“Yes, I’m learning a bit of Italian – un poco.”

What Italian words have you learned to help you on the pitch?

“’Uomo’ means when you have a man on, then I’ve also learned ‘alone’, ‘away’ and ‘slide’.”