Italy starlet Wilfried Gnonto, who has turned out to be a revelation in recent weeks, has left open the possibility of returning to Inter sometime down the lane after he was released by the club two summers ago. The FC Zurich forward believes he would have never been shortlisted by Azzurri coach Roberto Mancini had he stayed put.
The young attacking prodigy spoke his mind in an exclusive interview on the ‘Qui Studio a Voi Stadio’ (via MilanNews) show, shedding light on his decision to leave Italy.
“I have always been and remain a Nerazzurri fan, but if I did not flee I would never have made it to the national team.”
When quizzed about a potential return to Inter, Gnonto didn’t rule out the possibility, citing the motivation for his departure as being solely professional.
“In life and in football, everything is possible. I left because I had to make an important choice for my career. I had to play to grow and improve myself. And, for these reasons, I accepted the offer from Zurich. I would not have been called up if I did not take such route.”
Finally, Gnonto pinpointed one player he really admires at Inter.
“There are so many stars at Inter. The one I liked a little bit more and is Lautaro Martinez. He impressed a lot and when I was there I even had the chance to train with him in Appiano Gentile a couple of times.”
A Nerazzurri youth product since the age of nine, he finally parted ways in April 2020, making his professional debut in the Swiss League, before which he appeared for Inter’s Primavera side. The 18-year-old is now in the crosshairs of two Bundesliga clubs vying for his signature.