Recently, Inter Milan striker Bonny granted an exclusive interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, reflecting on his journey since joining the club and previewing the upcoming Milan derby.
Bonny, after five months at Inter, what insights have you gained?
I've come to understand that it takes time to grasp your place within the club and appreciate just how great this organisation is. Once you truly comprehend that, you must also recognise the team's calibre – a standard that's constantly rising, evident even in training sessions. Inter demands a lot, always pushing you to improve. I feel fantastic here and am learning all the time...
What specific areas require improvement?
My ability to hold up the ball with my back to goal – sometimes I make basic errors that lead to turnovers. I also need to improve my heading and my fitness, especially as we play every three days and training is intense. I must work harder during breaks. Overall, even in areas I'm strong in, there's always room for improvement.
What was it like scoring on your Inter debut?
My first visit here was last year with Parma: I was nervous. The stadium felt vast, almost endless, and it took my breath away. Playing for Inter was different though. I was fortunate to score on my debut in the blue and black. After the goal, the whole stadium erupted. Amidst the deafening noise, you couldn't hear a thing. It was incredible – everything around you seemed to fade away, leaving only pure excitement.
Who played a key role in your decision to join the Nerazzurri?
During last season's 2-2 draw between Parma and Inter, Bastoni brought me down and said: "Come join us next year..." It sounded like a warning, but I was delighted. He, Bisseck, and Acerbi make their presence felt in training, helping you improve.
On the sidelines at Parma that day was also Chivu. How important is he to you?
Invaluable. Whether at Parma or Inter, he remains authentically himself, consistent in his approach and communication style. He constantly urges me to consider my teammates, prioritising the team's interests above all.
What do you aspire to learn from Lautaro and Thuram's playing styles?
I'd love to possess Lautaro's instinct in front of goal. To be Inter's fourth-highest scorer at his age is incredible. He's perpetually hungry for goals, no matter how they come. Marcus, meanwhile, does it all: scoring, dribbling, assisting. Perhaps I share more similarities with him, yet we complement each other perfectly on the pitch. I'd also like to learn from Pioli – few can shield the ball like him.
What springs to mind when you think of the Milan Derby?
In terms of spectacle and scale, it rivals Barcelona versus Real Madrid. I recall certain rivalries, like the battles between Dumfries and Theo. These are two great clubs, not consumed by hatred, but for those 90 minutes, it's a proper contest. Hopefully, in the end, everything will be drenched in blue and black...
But will this derby be decisive?
No, because it's only November and anything can happen. Yet the derby itself carries significant weight. Securing more points—not just against Milan, but also against Napoli, Roma, and the other pursuers—would be a major step forward.