Luis Jimenez on 'Inter 100 e lode'
从 INTER

MILAN - Chilean midfielder Luis Jimenez was the special guest for the
sixteenth episode of Sky Italia's 'Inter 100 e lode' series dedicated to the
Nerazzurri's centenary season:

Jimenez: how far do you want to go?
"As far as possible..."

Were you ever expecting to have a period like this at Inter?
"No, I never expected it because I went through a tough time. A year ago I
had just started training with my team-mates again, so I certainly didn't
think I'd come here."

Not many believed in you when you arrived, but everyone wants you now...
"I think that every player wants to come to Inter. I took a gamble and I knew
it would never be easy, because of all the champions and great players that
there are here. But I was confident and I knew I could do well and help this
team. So I'm happy to be here."

Now that you have burst through, Inter aren't looking for the new Figo any
more. Everyone says that Jimenez is already here...
"Luis is a fantastic player. I'm very happy they say these things and it's an
honour for me. I don't feel like I'm the new Figo because we are very
different as players and in terms of our roles, but you can only be pleased
when your name is associated to one of the greatest players of all."

There's no doubt that this is the best period of your career...
"Yes, there's no doubt. I'm at a very big club and it's never easy to get
playing time at the big clubs. I don't think many people were expecting to
see me play, so I'm happy for this reason too."

They all say you're a good and polite person. Are you the Luis you have
always been?
"I have been the same wherever I have been. I have never had any problems and
I have made friends at every team I have played for. And this has helped me
too."

Your favourite goal for Inter?
"The one against Fiorentina. Was it revenge? No. I was very very happy in
Florence. I found a nice group there, some great friends and a very good
coach. Unfortunately I had to leave because of some problems that people
didn't understand. But goals always have a special feel."

Now that everything is going well, are you expecting to be a first-team
regular all the time?
"No. I'm expecting to help the team and be useful."

Who have you bonded with most at Inter?
"I get on well with everyone, so I'd have to list many names. Those I joke
most with are Zanetti and the South American lads like Cesar and Maicon, for
example. And then there's Materazzi and Ibra, but like I just said, I'd have
to name them all because we are a wonderful group."

Were you expecting to have such a big lead in the championship?
"The important thing is to think about ourselves and think about doing well.
It's nice to be ahead in the table because you only think about yourselves
and what you can do. There are no other problems."

Are Inter really the strongest team in Italy?
"Yes, I think we are at the moment. The results prove this."

And in Europe?
"We can do well against any team. We have to do well, we want to do well, and
we hope to continue like we have done so far."

On a personal level, how far do you want to go?
"I want to win as much as possible. I have never won anything, so I'd like to
win the Scudetto. I'm at a great team like Inter and I can aspire to even
greater goals, like the Champions League, for example."

How much can Luis Jimenez improve?
"I'm a long way off great champions like Ibrahimovic or Figo. I will have to
work very hard. Having arrived at a big club at such a young age has
certainly helped me, and it's never easy to arrive so young and have the
chance to play. So I'm pleased with the faith the club has in me and I hope
to reach the highest level possible."

You joined Inter at a very young age, but you have already had a fairly long
career...
"I started young. Having arrived in Italy at a very young age has been very
important for my career. My preparation in Europe was very different to the
one in Chile. This is certainly a key point."

You are even captain of the Chilean national team...
"I was, but Salas is back now and I'm happy to have given him the captain's
armband. It's right for him to have it. I like playing with these great
players and I get on very well with Marcelo, who is also a great friend. I'm
pleased he's back in the national team."

Why do they call you 'El Mago' (The Wizard)?
"I like Luis more. I don't like being called 'El Mago' much. It started when
a team-mate called me this during Under-17 World Cup qualifying. A journalist
heard it and that's where it all started from. But I prefer to be called just
Luis or Jimenez."

What role has Roberto Mancini played in your improvement at Inter?
"A very important role. When I wasn't called up, he always spoke to me and
gave the incentives I needed so I would not give up and always been ready."
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