Andre Onana’s Wild Ride at Inter Milan
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has recently opened up about his time at Inter Milan, recounting a locker room atmosphere that he describes as more akin to a nightclub. In an interview with La Media Carre, Onana shared hilarious and insightful stories from his single season at the San Siro. He joined Inter from Ajax in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer, attracted by the prospect of becoming the long-term successor to veteran goalkeeper Samir Handanovic. However, his stint in Serie A was brief, and he left the club after just one year to join Manchester United for a reported £43.8 million.
A Season of Fines and Laughter
Onana’s time at Inter was characterized by an intense and sometimes chaotic locker room dynamic. He vividly remembers the stringent rules and the humorous consequences for breaking them. "I played one season at Inter, but it feels like I was there for ten," Onana admitted, emphasizing the unforgettable nature of his experience. The locker room was filled with robust camaraderie, and the players took their jokes and pranks seriously. One particular instance stands out: Onana arrived on time for training, but his teammate Denzel Dumfries informed him he was late. This led to a fine, and Onana had to buy 35 iPhones—one for each team member. "The fines were harsh, and just for a joke like that, I ended up buying 35 iPhones," he recounted with a laugh.
The Price of Joking Around
The strict rules and significant fines were part of the unique culture at Inter Milan. Onana mentioned that being late was considered highly disrespectful and was met with severe penalties. "I’d rather have a poor performance than arrive late," he said, highlighting the seriousness with which punctuality was regarded. This discipline extended to various aspects of the team’s life, ensuring everyone was always on time and ready to perform at their best. Despite the hefty fines, Onana also found moments of humor in these situations. "That season, I ended up giving my wife at least four gifts," he shared, adding that the players often requested high-end items like iPhones and Rolexes as their fines. "Sometimes they asked for iPhones, other times for Rolexes. It was crazy!" he reminisced.
A Remarkable Journey to Manchester United
After his eventful year at Inter Milan, Onana made the move to Manchester United, replacing David de Gea in the goal. His transition to the Premier League was marked by a mix of high expectations and challenges. Onana’s arrival was heralded as a significant upgrade, but his first two years at Manchester United have been far from smooth. The club’s recent struggles and his own performance issues have often made headlines for the wrong reasons. Nevertheless, Onana has also had his fair share of brilliant moments, showcasing his potential and talent. The pressure and scrutiny have been intense, but Onana remains committed to bouncing back and proving himself as a top goalkeeper.
Adapting to Life at Manchester United
Life at Manchester United has been a stark contrast to the lively and sometimes chaotic atmosphere at Inter Milan. Onana has had to adapt to new teammates, a different playing style, and the intense scrutiny of the Premier League. His journey from Inter to Manchester United reflects the constant evolution and challenges faced by professional athletes. Despite the initial hurdles, Onana is determined to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford. "I’m still learning and growing. The mistakes I’ve made are part of the process, but I’m working hard to improve every day," he said. His experience at Inter has given him valuable insights into team dynamics and the importance of unity and discipline.
Looking Forward
As Onana continues to settle into his role at Manchester United, he remains optimistic about the future. The memories of his time at Inter Milan provide a humorous and poignant backdrop to his current endeavors. While he acknowledges the challenges, he is determined to use his experiences to become a better goalkeeper and a valuable asset to the team. "I’m grateful for every moment, both the good and the bad. They’ve all shaped me into the player I am today," he reflected. With a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, Onana is poised to make a significant contribution to Manchester United in the coming seasons.
