by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer fought back tears of joy after helping his side reach the UEFA Champions League final, then opened up to German media about a difficult chapter of his career.
After being named Man of the Match in Inter's dramatic 4-3 extra-time win over Barcelona, the 36-year-old carefully set down his trophy and embraced former Borussia Monchengladbach teammate Christoph Kramer at a jubilant San Siro.
"I'm 36 now - not the youngest anymore - and I finally get to play in a Champions League final with this marvelous team. I couldn't be happier," Sommer told a German TV crew.
Sommer delivered a series of decisive saves in the semifinal second leg, helping Inter reach the final on May 31 at Munich's Allianz Arena - a stadium that carries deep personal significance. The Switzerland international spent six months at Bayern Munich in 2023, stepping in after Manuel Neuer's injury. Despite making 19 league appearances, he struggled to gain the club's full trust and left after a brief, mixed spell.
"That time didn't leave him unaffected. He had to deal with it for quite a while," former Switzerland coach Murat Yakin once said.
Kramer called Sommer "underrated," adding, "He wasn't evaluated properly in Munich." Former Bayern player and executive Matthias Sammer echoed that sentiment.
"Now he can show his skills in Munich," Sammer said. "At Bayern, he didn't receive the appreciation he deserved. I love people like him, who stay grounded despite great achievements. He's adding something special to Inter's game."
While Bayern Munich failed to reach this year's final on home soil, their former goalkeeper will be there - with another club. Sommer described Inter's path to the final as fueled by belief and unity.
"There's unbelievable faith in this team. We left everything on the pitch and were carried by the energy of this arena," he said. "I couldn't hold back my tears after the final whistle."
Interviewed live on German television, Sommer smiled as pundits praised his resilience and form. Reflecting on Inter's journey, he added, "Morale and belief - I can't say it enough. This team is special."
Now with 94 caps for Switzerland, Sommer returns to Munich not as a stopgap, but as a Champions League finalist. ■
