Quotes from Ivan Perisic

I'd like to thank everyone who has given me the opportunity to play with the best beach volleyball players in the world.

I have been playing beach volleyball since I was 10. I'm very passionate about this game and every summer I have been practising with my friend.

When I sit on the bench, I'm dying.

It was a dream of mine to play in all the big leagues.

I sacrificed Champions League Football to come to Inter.

Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Admiration from a coach like Mourinho is definitely something that flattered me. It's confirmation of hard work and good performances.

What matters is the team winning. Even if I only managed to score once or twice all season, if the team won the league title, I'd still be happy.

Going to the World Cup would mean a lot to me.

A World Cup in Brazil has to be a career highlight for any player. Everyone wants to be there.

Messi is the best, just like Cristiano Ronaldo, but you can only achieve something if you play as a team.

I really like Italy and Inter. When I was a kid I used to watch several leagues and I knew the names of all the greats that have played for this club.

In football, you never say never.

It's completely normal that every player wants to be a starter. But ultimately the coach decides and we have to accept it.

If need be, I'll collect stray balls during the training sessions, just to get a chance to play with the likes of Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar.

I'm optimistic by nature.

I'm an athlete and a professional, I like challenges and this is my driving force.

It's true that an offer from Manchester United was on the table - I was really close to leaving Inter.