The French striker: “I’ve been a Nerazzurri fan since I was a kid. Thanks to my agent, I fell in love with Ornella’s songs. She has such a French voice…”

“Accepting this strange appointment (wasn’t) crazy,” sings Ange-Yoan Bonny, Inter’s new star, a 21-year-old with the head and tastes of a 30-year-old. Chivu is the father who wanted him after their time together at Parma and is now ready to launch him onto the San Siro stage: the two Nerazzurri goals in preseason are just the opening notes for the Frenchman.

Bonny, the friendlies are over: are you ready for the championship?

“We’ve prepared properly. The friendlies helped me start to understand how the team plays, where I can be most useful, and what my teammates expect from me. Most of the group have known each other for years, but even us new guys are adapting well: the preparation has been tough, but my legs are starting to turn…”

So it’s true that you’ve worked so hard?

“Yes, it was really tough: the intensity of the training sessions is what struck me the most, but it’s necessary. You realize that you’re putting fuel in the tank and that you’ll need it later. Given the goals ahead, a team like Inter must be ready to play a lot of games and leave nothing behind.”

How would you rate your first month with the Nerazzurri?

“It’s been a month of adjustment, discovery, and hard work, but it’s all been really great. I’ve arrived in a completely new world, but my teammates have welcomed me like I’m one of their own… little brothers. I’d have to list them all because, together, they make it feel almost like a family.”

Chivu is the head of the family: are you happy to be reunited with him?

“My relationship with him hasn’t changed. He’s the same coach he was at Parma, just at a higher level, but with the same qualities. He’s direct, demanding, and honest. I’m very happy to have crossed paths with him at the right moment in my career. I owe him a lot. If I’m here, it’s also thanks to him. Now I’m very motivated and I’ll try to earn my place because this is only the beginning. But I like this start…”

Is it true that you turned down other big clubs for Inter?

“Several teams wanted me, but I had no doubts: when Inter comes looking for you, you don’t think twice. This team was what I wanted; this is where I wanted to live my childhood dream. As soon as I signed, I posted a photo of myself as a child wearing the Nerazzurri jersey on social media: it was destiny… That was the first soccer jersey my mom bought me when I was six, and I’ll always be attached to it. Plus, this is a very French club, given the champions it has had.”

Speaking of the French, is the number 14 you wear a reference to Henry?

“No, it’s just that 13 was taken, so I went one down. 13 is the number I’ve always had because my whole family, and I mean my whole family, was born on that day: my father, mother, brother, sister…”

Do you feel the weight of being paid $23 million with only one real year in Serie A behind you?

“They’re just numbers, they shouldn’t weigh on me. It’s not my job to think about the price, but to sweat because I have a lot to improve. In everything, but in two things in particular: my coolness in front of goal, because I have to score more, and also my aerial play.”

With Thuram and Lautaro in the team, there’s no shortage of teachers.

“I study them, I try to understand the nuances, the way they move, with or without the ball. I do it to try to get closer to their level one day: right now, I’m a long way off. Both Lautaro and Thuram have told me two simple things, like older brothers: the first is ‘have fun’. The second is ‘always look for the goal’, because we are strikers and we are also judged on the goals we score.”

Do you like being called the ‘new Thuram’?

“Sure, but I think it’s just because we look alike…”

In an attack like this, where would you prefer to play?

“Here, we can all play with everyone. Even all together, why not? I like playing as a second striker, and I can also play center forward if needed. But I’m also comfortable starting from the back. The fact that I played midfield for years in the youth teams helps me read situations in the attacking third and understand the movements of others.“

Do you feel a special affection from the fans for you and Pio?

”I feel attention and love, I noticed it in the friendlies and now I’m just waiting for the roar at San Siro. Pio and I hit it off right away, not just because we’re young, but because we’re similar. He’s polite, has clear ideas, is down to earth, and doesn’t get carried away. We played against each other in the U21s, and even then he impressed me: he has incredible physical strength. You could say he’s a beast.”

You also grew up quickly in Parma…

“I arrived when I was 17, alone. At first, it wasn’t easy in a new country with a different language, but I spent some wonderful years in Parma.”

What remains of the judo you practiced as a child?

“Everything helps to build a mindset and a physique. My mom signed me up for judo on a whim, but I have lots of fond memories, even though in the end it wasn’t enough to tire me out: the tatami was too small for me and I preferred running on the field. I love lots of other sports, from basketball to padel, and I’m good at ping pong, although I haven’t challenged anyone here.”

What kind of guy is Ange-Yoan off the field?

“A normal 21-year-old who likes spending time with his family, going out with friends, playing video games, and watching good TV series: the latest one is called Mobland. I’m very religious, so I try to be respectful to everyone: being a soccer player doesn’t make us superior… My mother got me into music, soul, and jazz. Before I go out on the pitch, I always listen to the same song, Everything in its right place by Radiohead.”

Any surprising tastes in Italy?

“Yes, Ornella Vanoni, she’s my favorite. The first time I heard her at my agent’s house, I was struck by her voice, it was so French…”.