Inter parts ways with Darmian: thank you for everything, Matteo!

Six years spent together building something special, something that will last forever. Six seasons that each represent a piece in the puzzle. Blocks laid down one by one through hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and commitment. Anyone who loves Inter, loves Matteo Darmian: a player every coach relies on, a quiet leader in the dressing room, the teammate that’s always willing to go the extra mile, never complaining, always encouraging and ready whenever or wherever he is needed. Intelligent on the pitch, Darmian has an exceptional ability to find space and read opponents. His versatility has been one of his greatest strengths. Since arriving at Inter in the summer of 2020, he’s played everywhere across defence: right and left wing-back, centre-back in a back three, a central defender when needed but always with the same focus and determination. These qualities have made him, in our eyes, a reliable teammate – the one you can always count one, who never says no, the one you value simply because he is always there. The player who runs more than anyone else and never steps back from a challenge.

He didn’t immediately get to feel a packed San Siro, nor the full magic of a Champions League night at the Meazza when he made his debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Covid restrictions in 2020/21 also meant he missed out on celebrating those early big moments with the stadium full, even after scoring twice in the 19th Scudetto-winning season. Those two goals, against Cagliari and Hellas Verona, perfectly summed him up: arriving at the right moment, reading the play, finishing calmly after attacking space from the left. Two crucial goals in Inter’s title-winning season, his first trophy in Nerazzurri colours. Season after season, he made the shirt his own, earning the applause he always deserved.

Darmian was never an ostentatious player, but he gave everything for six years of success: 218 appearances, 13 goals, 13 assists, 3 Serie A titles, 3 Coppa Italia trophies, and 3 Supercoppa Italiana wins. He is a symbol of leadership, winning mentality, and dedication. His bond with the Inter family is strong, shown clearly on the Scudetto celebration day against Hellas Verona when his number 36 appeared on the board and he received a long, emotional standing-ovation. He was moved as he beat his chest in front of the fans, and so were we, as we witnessed the end of a long story of loyalty, love and victory.

Thank you, Matteo: it has been a privilege winning together!