Mehdi Taremi, Inter Milan’s new striker, recently opened up about his journey from a young boy in Bushehr to becoming a professional footballer. In an exclusive interview for the “Welcome Home” series by Betsson Sport, Inter’s sponsor, Taremi shared insights into his childhood, inspirations, and the importance of family and teamwork in his career.
Reflecting on his early days, Taremi recalled playing football with his older brother and friends in his hometown. Despite being younger, he found it thrilling to train with them. His passion for football was singular; while he follows volleyball and the NBA, he never seriously pursued other sports.
Interestingly, Taremi revealed an alternative career path he might have taken. “If I hadn’t become a footballer, I think I would have become a policeman, probably a detective,” he mused. This glimpse into his non-football interests adds a layer of depth to the striker’s persona.
Taremi spoke warmly about his football idol, Ali Daei, describing him as a legend and one of the best scorers of all time, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo in international goals. Daei played a crucial role in Taremi’s career, bringing him to Persepolis, a move Taremi considers fundamental to his professional development.
The Iranian striker emphasized the vital role his family has played in his career. “My family has been essential. No matter how I play on the field or how things are going off the field, they are always on my side and cheering for me,” he said. This unwavering support has been a constant throughout his journey.
Taremi also shared his philosophy on teamwork, likening his teammates to brothers. “Teammates should be like brothers: we fight together and share joys and difficult moments with them,” he explained. He highlighted the deep bond that forms among players who spend more time together than with their families, emphasizing that this unity is key to a team’s sustained success.