Borja Valero: ‘At Inter, Conte didn’t want me, so I made him change his mind’

Former Inter and Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero shared insights on his career and current football landscape in a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. The Spaniard, who still resides in Florence and is affectionately known as “the mayor” there, reflected on his time at both clubs and the upcoming match between them.

When asked about Fiorentina’s potential this season, Valero expressed optimism: “It’s a golden moment. The hope for all of us who are tied to this shirt and these fans is that it lasts as long as possible. The important thing will be to have balance and a strong mindset until the end. Then dreaming costs nothing…”

Regarding Inter, Valero considers them the team to beat: “They are the team to beat. For quality, experience, and depth of the squad. In Verona last Saturday, they showed how strong and complete they are. The season didn’t start in the best way, they also paid for some distractions. But I think they are still the favorites for the Scudetto.”

Valero shared a personal anecdote about his time under Antonio Conte at Inter: “After a couple of training sessions, he took me aside and told me that I would not be part of the project. It was strange. However, I decided not to give up and try to change his mind. And I must say that succeeding in doing so was one of the greatest satisfactions of my career. However, it was also thanks to him because, seeing my commitment and understanding what I could give to the team, he changed his mind without looking at the ID card or the name on the back of the shirt.”

On current Inter players, Valero praised Nicolò Barella: “He’s an extraordinary player, he’s improved a lot compared to when we played together and he can still grow. He’s already a top player, but trust me, he has everything to become even stronger.”

Regarding Lautaro Martinez’s Ballon d’Or prospects, Valero stated: “It’s right to consider Inter a club that sends at least a couple of players into the top thirty every year. Because it’s a super team. Lautaro has already made it this year and obviously has the qualities to climb a step every year. But I’m certainly not discovering this. If he’s already come close now, I think it can easily happen in the future.”

When pressed for a prediction on the upcoming Fiorentina-Inter match, Valero remained diplomatic: “On paper, I would absolutely say Inter. But football is unpredictable, it’s made of episodes and moments. Surely Inzaghi’s team is more used to playing certain matches and traveling at high altitudes in the standings, but beware of underestimating Fiorentina’s carefree attitude and enthusiasm.”

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