Marcus Thuram, Inter Milan’s 29-year-old striker, answered journalists’ questions at a press conference on Monday, ahead of the Champions League 2024-2025 final on May 31 against Paris Saint-Germain at the Allianz Arena (broadcast on Canal+and M6). A special encounter for the player from the Paris region.
Thuram: “It’s the team from the town where I grew up.
What does this final against Paris, your childhood home, represent ?
It’s special because it’s a Champions League final. What’s more, for me it’s the team from the city where I grew up, with players I know very well. It’s going to be a great match and we hope to win it.
Did your anger at losing the Serie A title lead you to the final ?
Mostly, I was sad. I know we’ve lost a title we could have won. Now it’s a new week, with a very important match.
Thuram “There’s still a step to be taken with Inter and we hope to succeed.”
Can you talk about your duo with Lautaro Martinez ?
It’s very easy to play with a player like him, and he’s a great help as captain too. He’s been helping me ever since I arrived. He always helps me and it’s a pleasure to play with him.
Are there any physical problems in the team that explain the poor results of late ?
There have been some poor games, but we’re also in the Champions League final and we’re hoping to win it.
You played in the World Cup Final in 2022, how close is that in terms of presentation ?
The World Cup goes faster, the matches are closer. It’s easier to understand. Right now, it’s perhaps harder with the outward and return journeys. There’s still a step to be taken with Inter, and we hope to succeed.
Thuram “PSG aren’t a surprise, they’re one of the best teams in Europe.”
Can recent disappointments help in the final, or should we put them to one side ?
You have to mix things up. You learn things during the season, but you can’t let that weigh you down. You have to remember the positives and the things you missed out on, so that you can approach the match in the right light.
How are you feeling now ? Is the disappointment of the championship behind you? Is PSG in the final a surprise ?
The championship is in the past, and we’re focused on our objective: the Champions League final. PSG aren’t a surprise, they’re one of the best teams in Europe today, with a great coach.
What do you think of Donnarumma? Have you asked your Italian team-mates for any advice?
Not yet, maybe this week (smile). He’s an extraordinary goalkeeper, he started out very young and he’s putting in great performances for PSG. He’s the best in the world.
Thuram “It’s going to be a great match”.
Does your father talk to you to give advice before the final?
We talk every day (smiles). He’s always there to help me.
Is it special to face Paris?
It’s very special, as I said. I grew up there, I have teammates in the national team. It’s going to be a great match.
Is it revenge for 2023?
It’s not against Manchester City, that’s another competition. We’re playing this final without thinking about the one we won 2 years ago, and playing our game like we’ve been doing all season.
