Cedric Soares: I'll play in goal for Inter if they give me gloves
New Inter Milan arrival Cedric Soares says he’s ready to play anywhere for his new club if required, after clinching a loan move from Southampton.
The Portugal international joined the Nerazzurri on a temporary deal until the end of the season on Saturday, with the Serie A giants having the option to sign him outright for £9.5 million at the end of the season.
At his unveiling on Tuesday, the 27-year-old underlined that he was ready to do whatever it takes to make a positive impression at his new club.
“I’m used to playing on the right even if I’ve also played on the left a few times,” he told Italian media.
“I’m at the total disposal of the coach and if he wants, I can even play in goal if he gives me a pair of gloves.
“I’m just looking to give my best on and off the pitch. I have so much confidence in my abilities and will give 100% every time without focusing on an eventual transfer.”
Soares is set to go head-to-head with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo when Inter face Juventus later in the season, while he also gave his thoughts on the challenges of adapting to a new league.
“I’ve not spoken with Cristiano yet,” he said. “He’s a great friend. I’ve been through a lot with him with the national team, but now he’s my rival because he plays for Juventus and I’m at Inter.
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“I think there are many differences between the Premier League and Serie A. In England there is a very fast and attacking game; here I see that there is a lot of quality and that you tend to keep ball possession and then choose when to attack. I grew up in Portugal, which is a bit of a mixture of these two leagues.”
Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.