Speaking to DAZN, Internazionale midfielder Curtis Jones discussed his decision to join the Nerazzurri and his past:
Welcome to Internazionale. How do you feel about being here?
"It feels really good to know that such an important club trusts me and gave me the opportunity to come here and join the team. Because no matter what, I always chose Internazionale."
Can you describe yourself in three words?
"Yes, I'm thoughtful, a family person, and happy. I'm always happy, always with a smile on my face."
What's your first memory related to football?
It probably goes back to when I was in primary school. We'd stand against the wall, and the teacher would always pick the teams. Sometimes, he'd end up almost picking himself for his own team. That's probably my earliest memory.
I imagine you were one of the first picked, or at least not the last.
It depends on where you stand! Usually, it was A, B, A, B in rotation. You'd try to stand in a spot where you knew you'd be on the same team as your friends. Of course, if you stood right next to them, you wouldn't end up on the same team. So we always found ways to take turns: pick one friend first, then pick another friend. We always wanted to be on the same team.
After school, would you already be playing football on the streets of Liverpool?
Yes, that was the only thing I knew. I played on the streets, with older kids and with people my own age. I always had a ball at my feet, and that shaped who I am today, giving me joy and everything else. Just like now.
Was there anyone in particular who made you fall in love with your position on the field?
Yes, of course there were many people. But I think, for me, the most important thing has always been the love for the sport. Every time I have the ball at my feet, as I always say, that's when I can express myself the most. I'll be very happy. As a child, of course, where I come from I could have done many other things. But every time I had the chance to play football, that's all I wanted to do.
Perhaps your father led you down the right path and helped you recognize your strengths.
Actually, it was my mother. She was in charge of everything related to football, taking me to training. Even during difficult times, when it rained and we had nothing, she was always there for me. I can talk about the people who made me fall in love with this sport, and I can also talk about the people I don't want to disappoint. I saw how much effort she put in, how much time she sacrificed. I always remember that very clearly.