01 May 2016
It’s important not to forget how close Hernanes came to celebrating his first goal in the black and white against former club Inter back in January, when his wonderfully executed effort from distance cruelly came back off the crossbar.
There was no such head in hands moment for the midfielder this time around, however, but instead the most athletic of backflips to greet a typically well struck, long-range shot which nestled into the bottom corner of Vid Belec’s net.
“I’m delighted with the goal,” began the Brazilian. “I told myself that I couldn’t finish the season without scoring, even if finding the net is certainly not my only objective in matches. Today I got a bit lucky with how the ball went in and thankfully I was able to celebrate in my own special way.”
While today’s strike and victory over Carpi will live long in the memory, Hernanes is keeping his eyes on the context of a record-breaking season that finishes with a chance to lift more silverware with a Coppa Italia final against Milan on 21 May.
“The boss is very good at reminding us of the objectives that lie before us. We’ll keep working very hard as we’ve the final coming up on 21 May and we’re all aware how important that is. The season’s not over yet.”
Meanwhile, looking further into the future, the ex Lazio man admitted that he would relish remaining in Turin for campaigns to come in the deep-lying playmaker role he has grown fond of in recent months.
“Playing in a side with such a strong, physical midfield, I feel perfectly comfortable in a deeper position. I’m keen to stay here and make a success of that role in the long term.”
