Ex Man United Veteran Names Inter Milan & AC Milan Legends As Footballing Idols

Inter Milan wingback Matteo Darmian says that Javier Zanetti and Paolo Maldini were his footballing “idols” growing up.

Speaking to 105 Take Away, via FCInterNews, the 34-year-old looked back on the legendary former players who inspired him.

Now aged 34, Darmian has had a career with plenty of ups and downs.

Having thrived at Torino in Serie A in particular, Darmian made the move to the Premier League in 2015. He joined Manchester United.

That was not the most successful of spells for Darmian, however. Therefore he returned to the Italian top flight after four years at Old Trafford, playing for Parma.

Darmian’s time at Parma lasted just one season, however.

Inter snapped Darmian up in the summer of 2020.

And it has been at the Nerazzurri that the Italian international has truly shown his best form.

Darmian has proven to be a key player for Inter time and time again. Both in his favoured right-wingback position, and in the left-wingback and right centre-back roles.

Matteo Darmian Names Javier Zanetti & Paolo Maldini As Footballing Idols

Darmian is an Inter player now. But he came through the youth ranks at the Nerazzurri’s city rivals AC Milan.

Both Inter and Milan have certainly boasted some top defenders over the years.

And in both cases, there has been a history of great versatility and professionalism among the two derby rivals’ most accomplished defensive players.

And for Darmian, former Nerazzurri and Rossoneri captains are among the players he’s modelled himself after.

Asked about his footballing idols, the 34-year-old said “Pupi Zanetti was certainly someone I took inspiration from.”

“But also Paolo Maldini,” he added. “I was in the youth sector there.”

Then, Darmian also named the most difficult opponent he’s come up against.

“There have been many,” the Italian international said. “But Hazard was particularly tough to mark.”

“He was incredible at Chelsea,” Darmian said.