Dimarco talks about the obsession with the Milan derby and the “respect” of Theo Hernandez: “I accept the insults”

Federico Dimarco is one of the best left-backs in the world, but he faces direct competition in Italy from his AC Milan counterpart – Theo Hernandez. Today the Italian admitted that he has great respect for the Frenchman and even tries to “steal” some of his qualities.

In recent years, Dimarco has consistently been considered one of the best full-backs in the world, but he has usually been behind Theo in the rankings, even if the Nerazzurri have been the more competitive team.

This season the Italian is likely to be rated slightly higher the Frenchman fights for Milan and its stance is being questioned. However, very few would choose the Inter defender over his Diavolo rival when both are at their best.

In an interview with BSMT, the left-back spoke about his admiration for Theo and how he expects improvement from the Frenchman, while also admitting how much the Derby della Madonnina is close to his heart – his words were relayed by Calciomercato.com.

Theo Hernandez and his idols…

“There are players who are still playing and who I respect. I accept the insults now, but I respect Theo Hernandez a lot as a player. As a child my idol was Roberto Carlos or Maxwell when he played for Inter. I try to steal from others and make them mine, but I don’t like to compare myself to anyone.”

Obsession with the derby…

“The games I care about most? Just the derby. You can tell me all the games you want, but for me the Milan derby is the game that excites me and gives me that certain something. For the Inter Milan fan, the derby is incomparable. Both on the Inter side and on the Milan side.

“The one I remember? Inter are 4-3 when Maicon scored the goal from outside the penalty area. The 4-0 in the triple and the 2-0 in the ten when Pandev scored a free kick, and then the one I played. Do I only remember the victories? No, I also remember the defeats because they help you grow.”