Here are the declarations from Inter forward Diego Forlan with journalist Andrea Paventi, Sky Sport Italia,  on Friday January 13, 2012.  Interview courtesy of Inter official website. Your take on Forlan?

Is it just a coincidence that Forlan is a great player and that he is also in matches that really count?

"As a player, when I was a kid I always dreamed of these kind of challenges. I saw Inter v AC Milan many times when I was in Uruguay, I played in them with Peñarol, with Indipendiente. Or of scoring in the final minutes.These are things that every kid dreams about. Then in my career I've played in some big games, the World Cup finals, other special games in Madrid. But for me all the games are important because a player has to give his all in every one.These are games that the whole world watches on TV, but I want to do well inall of them."

Do you like being considered Inter's first big acquisition in January?

"It's important to have already spent many months here, I'm used to it. It went well that way. I've played little, but I'm well familiar with everything and this can be good."

Can scoring a lot of goals from February to May be decisive? After all, these are the most important months...

"I want to do well and score important goals for the team, which are what can help us to win. I scored against Palermo but it meant a 4-3 and it wasn't decisive. However, what counts a lot for a forward is helping when the team needs it."

Does it mean one more problem for Inter that Alexandre Pato will remain at AC Milan?

"All the Rossoneri players are great players."

Who is the most dangerous opponent?

"They all are. If they're at the top of the table together with Juventusit's because they've all done well. It's a united group that plays well and has both experience and youth. We must be focused and we can't make mistakes because they have players who can take advantage of it."

Have you ever faced Thiago Silva?

"No, if I play it will be the first time. He's a fast player with good technique. He's grown a lot here in Italy and AC Milan. Along with him there are also Nesta and Mexes who are strong players with much experience."

What relationship have you created with the Nerazzurri fans in these few months?

"The fans have always had good and warm words for me. They want to see meon the pitch and see me do well, which is also what I want."

And if Carlitos Tevez should arrive at Inter? Is he a player that you like?

"I don't know. You hear so many things but you don't know. We know that he's a great player."

Would settling in to the Nerazzurri group as soon as possible be the mos timportant thing for a new player?

"It's important that everyone who arrives becomes integrated as quickly as possible in order to get acclimated to the team, the city, to everything. That way it's possible to do the best for the team."

If you say that the Scudetto race is between three teams – Milan, Juventus and Inter – does it mean doing an injustice to the other teams?

"Now Juventus and AC Milan are at the top of the table, but there are many teams behind them and it's difficult to say how it will go from here on out. We have to wait because then the Champions League and Italian Cup will come. There are still four or five months ahead of us that will be able to let us know something."

What is missing from the career of Diego Forlan that can still be achieved in Italy?

"Now I'm in a strong team like Inter and I want to do well, as I did in the other teams I played in. Even if I really wanted to, I haven't been able to play as much as I would have liked. Now I'm waiting for my chance."

Does this team have more of a chance for the Scudetto or the Champions League?

"We have to think game by game because each one has a different story. The important thing now is to have won five in a row, to have more confidence and to continue this way so we can go as far as possible."

Are you Inter's best tennis player?

"Well, I've played tennis for many years [smiling]. I did it seriously until the age of 17, then I had to make a difficult choice between tennis and football. I chose the former, then changed and went back to playing football, thenI even gave up football to go back to studying, and then I chose the pitch again. Now I'm a footballer, but I really like tennis a lot and when I have the chance and I'm not tired I often play it. I have a lot of friends who play and when I get the chance I play."

What did your experience as a tennis player leave you with?

"We're talking about high-intensity games of high rhythm and reactivity,and these are the same qualities that are important if you're a forward."

Have you already prepared your celebration if you score a goal in the derby?

"It's always nice to score, but I never thought of any particular kind of gesture [smiling]."

Diego Forlan's promise to the Inter fans, seeing how your journey in this team actually restarts with the derby?

"To do well. I really want to play and give back to fans and the directors the faith that they've shown in me. This is important."

Will you win against AC Milan?

"We hope so, but we know it will be a difficult game. We have respect forall the teams and we will have to do well."

2011 - 2012 Italian Serie A  Week  18

AC Milan - Inter
Sunday January 15 2012,
San Siro  stadium,
Milan, Italy
Milan Derby Game - Derby della Madonnina

Referee:  ORSATO
Assistants:  COPELLI – ROMAGNOLI
Fourth Official:   MAZZOLENI
20:45

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