Brazil Wingback Sees Inter Milan As “A Starting Point Not A Destination” | OneFootball

Brazilian wingback Luis Henrique feels great honor for having a chance to play for a club like Inter Milan.

Speaking to Corriere della Sera via FCInterNews, the 23-year-old admitted he sees this move as a ‘starting point.’

Only one season at Olympique Marseille was enough to earn Luis Henrique a big-money transfer to Inter.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri paid the French club around €24 million earlier this month to sign the Brazilian.

However, with a high price tag comes a huge responsibility.

Despite only playing two games for Inter, one could tell Henrique is already feeling the pressure.

After a decent cameo appearance against CF Monterrey, he looked lost against Urawa Reds.

Therefore, the improvement is in order, especially as he must fight Denzel Dumfries for a starting berth.

Yet, playing for Inter offers an array of opportunities.

For instance, it should help him get into the Brazil national team.

Luis Henrique Thrilled for Opportunity to Play for Inter Milan

PORTO ALEGRE, BRAZIL – DECEMBER 6: Luis Henrique of Botafogo looks at the ball during the match between Internacional and Botafogo as part of Brasileirao 2023 at Beira-Rio Stadium on December 6, 2023 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro H. Tesch/Getty Images)

“It’s a gift I was born with,” Henrique said. “It means being able to realize the dream I had as a child.

“And being able to do it at a great club like Inter gives me so much happiness.”

Then, he addressed his sudden move from Botafogo to Marseille.

“It all happened very quickly,” he continued. “I don’t think I had even played 20 professional matches with Botafogo when they sold me.

“Everything was new – the type of football, the language. I went back to Brazil for a year, but then I made my mark.

“Overcoming difficulties was a life lesson. I returned from Brazil, from the loan to Botafogo, with more experience and more confidence.

“De Zerbi gave me total support, which helped me grow a lot.”

Henrique’s progress under Roberto De Zerbi prepared him for a high-profile transfer to Inter.

However, this is a whole new challenge. Cristian Chivu expects a lot from the Brazilian.

“We talk a lot. He asks me to stay high up in attack, to try the individual play. Urawa was a very tight team and we struggled.

“I think we’ll have more space against River. I need to improve my fitness, I took a break at the end of the season.

Asked what he needs to do to succeed in Italy, Henrique replied: “I think it’s a more tactical kind of football than in France, which is more physical.

“I need to improve in that respect.

“There are strong players in the Seleção. But Inter can give me different visibility: it’s up to me to prove I have the quality.”

Upcoming Match & Dumfries Rivalry

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 18: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter will take on River Plate in a decisive FIFA Club World Cup fixture on Thursday.

“There’s always rivalry, but I have many Argentine friends and I’ve learned to understand them better,” Henrique commented.

Then, he hailed Inter’s fightback against Urawa.

“The reaction was excellent, but we must not concede certain goals. And we need to start strong immediately against River.

“To help Inter win, and as for me, to do better than last season, which was my best.

“I’ve already experienced and overcome the challenges of settling in Europe.

“And the €24 million transfer fee doesn’t scare me: I know I have to take on responsibilities. Everything is decided on the field.”

Finally, he admitted dislodging Dumfries from the starting eleven won’t be simple.

“Not at all. But precisely for that reason, I know I’ll have to raise my level.

“Our characteristics are a bit different, and it will also depend on the situations that arise.”