Inter Milan’s Akinsanmiro cites Italian legend as his reason for joining Sampdoria

Inter Milan midfielder, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, has identified former Italy and AC Milan midfielder as one of the core reasons he joined Sampdoria on loan, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Remo Stars midfielder joined Inter in 2023 and debuted for the Nerazzuri in the second half of their 2023/2024 Serie A campaign.

Ahead of the 2024/2025 campaign, Serie B side, Sampdoria, and Inter Milan reached an agreement that’ll see the 19-year-old midfielder spend the coming season on loan with Andrea’s Pirlo team in the second-tier of Italian football.

“I am very happy and excited to be at Sampdoria. I already love the team, the staff are kind, and the teammates have already shown me friendship: they have all been very welcoming. I want to work hard, do my best and help the group: this is the goal for my season,” the Nigerian midfielder said in quotes revealed by Tutto Sampdoria.

Quizzed about why he chose to switch to Sampdoria, Akinsanmiro revelled at the opportunity to play under Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup winner, Andrea Pirlo, with the assurance that he’ll improve under the former Juventus manager.

“First of all, I chose Sampdoria because they’re a great club and represent a great opportunity for me. Director Accardi has shown that he really believes in me and then I’m also here for the coach, Pirlo, a legend who played the same role as me. He will help me a lot to grow and improve my game.”

The midfielder turns 20 in November and hopes to follow in the footsteps of former Chelsea and Super Eagles midfielder, who he considers his idol.

“I am a creative player, I like watching many players, people like Obi Mikel, who I adored in his years at Chelsea,” the new Blucerchiati midfielder concluded.

In 25 Primavera 1 games last season, Akinsanmiro scored six goals and provided two assists for Inter Milan’s B team.