In the high-stakes world of professional football, new signings often arrive amidst a flurry of expectations, their every move scrutinized. Yet, for Ange-Yoan Bonny, Inter Milan’s promising 21-year-old French forward, his arrival seems less a calculated transfer and more a homecoming orchestrated by destiny. With a pre-season marked by two goals and an immediate connection with his new environment, Bonny isn`t just settling in; he`s blossoming, all while maintaining a refreshingly grounded perspective and a surprisingly vintage music taste.
The Guiding Hand of Chivu
Bonny’s journey to Inter is intrinsically linked to Cristian Chivu, the former Roma and Inter defender now guiding Inter`s youth and emerging talents. Bonny affectionately refers to Chivu as a “dad,” a testament to their deep bond forged during their time together at Parma. “Our relationship hasn`t changed,” Bonny affirms. “He`s the same coach from Parma, just at a higher level, but with the same qualities. He`s direct, demanding, honest.” This paternal mentorship has been crucial for Bonny, who openly credits Chivu for his current position. It`s a rare and heartwarming dynamic in a sport often characterized by transactional relationships.
“I owe him so much. If I`m here, it`s also thanks to him. Now I`m very motivated, and I`ll try to carve out my space because this is just the beginning. And I like this beginning.”
Embracing the Nerazzurri Family
Joining a club like Inter, with its rich history and demanding fan base, could be daunting for a young player. However, Bonny speaks of a seamless integration. Despite a rigorous pre-season, where the intensity of training impressed him most, he felt immediately accepted. “I arrived in a completely new world, but my teammates welcomed me as if I were their little brother,” he shares. This familial atmosphere, coupled with the squad`s shared ambition, has made the demanding preparation not just bearable but energizing. As Bonny puts it, “You realize you`re putting fuel in the tank, and you`ll need it later. Given the objectives, a team like Inter must be ready to play many games and leaves nothing behind.”
Learning from the Best
With established talents like Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram leading Inter`s attack, Bonny finds himself in an ideal learning environment. He diligently observes their movements, both with and without the ball, aiming to absorb their nuances. “I study them, I try to understand the subtleties, how they move… I do it to try to get closer to their level one day: right now, I`m very far,” he humbly states. Yet, his experienced strike partners offer straightforward wisdom: “Have fun” and “always look for the goal,” pragmatic advice that underscores the striker`s primary objective. Bonny, for his part, knows where he needs to improve: composure in front of goal and aerial play, areas he`s actively working on.
The comparison to Thuram, often made due to a physical resemblance, is taken with a light-hearted shrug: “Of course, but I think it`s just because of the physical similarity…”
Beyond the Pitch: A Unique Personality
Beyond the goals and the training, Bonny reveals himself as a person of depth and diverse interests. He is unburdened by his 23-million-euro transfer fee, seeing it simply as “numbers” that don`t influence his primary task of continuous improvement. His jersey number, 14, is not a homage to Thierry Henry, but a pragmatic choice given his preferred number 13 was occupied—a number significant because his entire family (father, mother, brother, sister) shares that birthdate.
His childhood journey to Parma, alone at 17 in a new country, forged his resilience. Early judo lessons, though not his ultimate calling, instilled discipline. Off the field, he`s a “normal 21-year-old” who values family time, friends, video games, and TV series. A deeply religious individual, Bonny emphasizes respect for all, reminding us that being a footballer “doesn`t make us superior.”
Perhaps most intriguingly, Bonny’s musical palate transcends his generation. His mother introduced him to soul and jazz, and before every game, he listens to Radiohead`s “Everything in its right place.” His true revelation, however, lies in his affection for Italian music, specifically the legendary Ornella Vanoni. “The first time I heard her at my agent`s house, that voice struck me, it was so French-like,” he recounts. The irony, for Italian football aficionados, is rich: Vanoni is a known AC Milan fan, Inter’s bitter city rival. Yet, for Bonny, her song “L`appuntamento” holds a magic that transcends club allegiances. “What does it matter,” he muses, “when I listen to L`appuntamento, I feel something magical. It`s like scoring a goal.” A refreshing take on rivalry, indeed.
The San Siro Roar Awaits
As the Serie A season kicks off, Bonny is primed to make his mark. He feels the warmth and anticipation from the fans and eagerly awaits the roar of San Siro. His burgeoning connection with fellow young talent Francesco Pio Esposito, whom he describes as “an incredible physical force,” further highlights the promising youth movement at Inter.
Ange-Yoan Bonny is more than just another young player with potential; he`s a grounded, determined individual whose unique blend of on-field ambition and off-field charm is set to captivate the Nerazzurri faithful. His destiny, as he so firmly believes, is intertwined with Inter, and his melodic journey with Ornella Vanoni`s voice provides a truly distinctive soundtrack to what promises to be an exciting debut season.