Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer identifies Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas as one of his main inspirations in football.
The 34-year-old joined the Nerazzurri in the summer after spending the second half of last season at Bayern Munich.
The Switzerland international arrived at the Italian club to replace Andre Onana who joined Manchester United in the summer.
In a new interview, Sommer revealed that he started playing football at the tender age of four. With his father and uncle both playing as goalkeepers, he always aspired to become one himself.
“I started playing football when I was four years old. I never played any other sport,” he told Inter TV via FcInterNews.
“I’ve always wanted to be a footballer. I’ve always played in goal since my first training session, I just wanted to be a goalkeeper.”
“My father and my uncle played in goal. So surely it’s a family thing. My parents gifted me my first pair of gloves.”
Inter Milan Custodian Yann Sommer Reveals His Admiration For Iker Casillas And Edwin Van Der Sar
The Swiss then named Casillas and Man Utd legend Edwin van der Sar as the idols who inspired him the most.
“There are many goalkeepers who inspired me. But above all, I’d say my favorite is either Casillas or Van der Sar.”
Sommer also discussed mental health. He reveals that he’s been working with a mental coach for several years.
“Every footballer experiences difficult moments in his career. I have been working with a mental coach for many years.
“He helps me in certain moments and it is important to talk to someone when things aren’t going well. It helps to feel better.”
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