Wesley Sneijder concentrates on Inter Milan
Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder has insisted that he is only focused on winning trophies with the Italian club and is confident that his side can repeat last year’s success under Rafa Benitez.
"We are convinced about being able to repeat the success of last year, and we also want to win the Club World Cup."
Sneijder made the comments after rumours emerged that he was expected to win FIFA’s Ballon d’Or this year.
The player is expected to receive the individual accolade for his outstanding contribution to Inter Milan’s treble last season.
Sneijder helped his side win the Champions League, Serie A and the Italian Cup last year. He also played a pivotal role in Holland’s successful World Cup run, which saw the Dutch reach the World Cup Final, only to lose to Spain.
But the Dutch footballer stated that although he was flattered, he was focusing on Inter Milan and not an individual prize.
"I am not thinking about the Ballon d'Or a lot. Sure, I am not being modest. The individual award would be the top for me, but now I am thinking about Inter."
Inter Milan will have a difficult task to produce the same form that saw them lift three trophies, especially since former manager Jose Mourinho has departed to Real Madrid.
Rafa Benitez will be looking to emulate the Portuguese manager who has become a hero for the Nerazzurri.
The Italian side has managed to hold on to most of their stars, losing only Mario Balotelli to Manchester City.
Keeping Sneijder was a particular coup for Benitez. The former Liverpool manager has guided his team to third place in Serie A and is two points behind the leaders, Lazio.
Benitez’s real challenge will come later in the season when the prizes are at stake, and Sneijder will hope to get his hands on bigger awards than the Ballon d’Or come next year’s Champions League Final.
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