Satisfied Sneijder praises ‘The Special One’

Wesley Sneijder joined Inter Milan about two and a half months ago and has been loving every minute since his arrival in Italy. The 25-year-old midfielder is happy at his new club and is impressed with Jose Mourinho’s leadership. “I think it’s cool he calls himself ‘the special one’.”

“He’s really one of us,” Sneijder said about the former Chelsea coach. “If we travel by plane, he always sits at the back. He has a really strong bond with the players. And not only with me but also with the young players who just joined the squad from the academy.”

The Dutch playmaker is very happy at the club that brought him in from Real Madrid this summer. He admits he can’t believe he took so long to get to Italy.

“I love everything about Italy and to play here is perfect. I have never been as happy as in Milan, I never had these feelings. What do I miss from Madrid? Absolutely nothing.

“I never regret leaving Madrid,” said Sneijder, who is nothing but praise for his new club.

“Inter are more of a club, more teamwork, people are friendly and this helps you solve even small problems. In Milan, it’s all good, better than what I expected. And when I say everything I mean everything: teammates, opponents, and the atmosphere.

“And the city, which I like very much. Serie A in decline? No.. I like playing in Italy. Each opponent is tough and it is exciting.”

Sneijder faces Italy on Saturday for a friendly match with the Netherlands. Mourinho gave him some advice before he left Inter to join the Dutch national team.

“He said: ‘Be careful lad, there are a lot of Juventus players on the Italy squad. Protect yourself against attacks.’ That’s typical Mourinho, according to Sneijder.

“His emotions, his temper. I’m a lot like him. As a coach I would be a bit like him, I think. Calling yourself ‘the special one’. Why not? I think that’s cool.”