Why Darmian thanked United after semi-final win
After reaching the Champions League final with Internazionale, a delighted Matteo Darmian thanked Manchester United for making him “the player and person that I am”.
The Italy international joined the club in 2015 and went on to make 92 appearances in four seasons, scoring one goal – a memorable and powerful finish against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
A professional and popular member of the squad, Darmian lifted four trophies during his time as a Red: the Emirates FA Cup, Community Shield, League Cup and Europa League.
Matteo left United for Parma in 2019 and, following a successful loan spell with Inter, the defender joined the Milan club on a permanent basis in 2021.
Matteo Darmian thanks Man Utd for his time at the club 🙌pic.twitter.com/71BnBzWSqz
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 17, 2023
Talking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Darmian spoke positively about his time at Old Trafford and highlighted how those four years influenced him.
“I'm very happy tonight, the feeling is great because we've reached the final and it's not easy to reach,” Darmian explained at the San Siro. “So, we have to be happy and think about the next game and we'll prepare for the final.
“I have to say thank you to them [United] because if I'm the player and person that I am, it's also because of them. I just have to say thank you, but now I'm an Inter player and I give everything for Inter.”
Darmian was joined in Inter’s XI by another ex-Red in Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who scored 13 goals in 63 appearances across two seasons. Former United striker Romelu Lukaku also came off the bench.