Inter defender Djed Spence has discussed the role Nottingham Forest and their former manager Steve Cooper played in his career. The Englishman, who moved to Inter from Tottenham in the summer, regards promotion to the Premier League with Forest as his first truly significant career achievement.
Spence is settling into Italian football after playing at the World Cup for England.
The 26-year-old defender has made four appearances for Inter this season. He has impressed in the Champions League and also made a good impression in the 2-0 win over Como.
Before that match, Spence spoke to Sky Italia about the start of his career.
“Steve Cooper helped me a lot”
Spence said he had dreamed of becoming a professional footballer since childhood and that Cooper was a key figure in helping him achieve that goal.
“I always wanted to be a footballer. I knew it from the moment I first stepped onto the pitch. One of the coaches who helped me a lot in my career was Steve Cooper.”
Spence achieved his first major success under Cooper.
“Together, we took Nottingham Forest into the Premier League. It was the first really important victory of my career.”
Spence spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Nottingham Forest, making almost 50 appearances.
The defender was an important part of the side that returned to the top flight of English football. Regular playing time and a successful season helped him attract the attention of Tottenham, whom he subsequently joined.
“We had a chance to make history”
Spence also recalled the World Cup, where England achieved one of the best results in their history.
Despite the team's successful campaign, the defender said he was disappointed with the outcome of the tournament.
“It wasn't the result we wanted. We wanted to win.
“But England have only done better in 1966, when they won the World Cup. We had a chance to make history, and that was a wonderful feeling.”
After the World Cup, Spence had the opportunity to continue his career in Serie A.
He left Tottenham in the summer and joined Inter, where he is gradually earning trust and getting playing time.
