Paul Ince spent two years in Italy with Inter Milan, where he became such a fan favourite, he was invited into the stands to watch a match with the ultras
12:45, 30 May 2025
OLIMPICO STADIUM, ROME, LAZIO, ITALY - 2023/12/17: Lazio fans' banners celebrating the friendship between the fans groups of Lazio and Inter before the Serie A football match SS Lazio vs FC Internazionale. FC Internazionale won 2-0. (Photo by Antonio Balasco/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Inter Milan's ultras are world famous(Image: Photo by Antonio Balasco/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images)
For Inter Milan and Paul Ince it was amore at first punch. Fortunately for the former Manchester United and Liverpool midfielder, he was not the one left with a squashed nose.
Back in 1995, Ince waved goodbye to Old Trafford and jetted off to the San Siro, where he rubbed shoulders with footballing greats like Roberto Carlos and Ivan Zamorano. It didn't take long for 'The Guv'nor' to boss the midfield in his No. 8 Nerazzurri jersey, winning over the hearts of the passionate ultras.
Just like their die-hard fans, who ignite the stands with flares and turn stadiums into a cacophony of drums and megaphones, Ince will cheer on Inter in their Champions League final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Italian faithful have their own peculiar ways of showering players with adoration, something Ince experienced first-hand. However, this particular display of affection had some rather sore consequences for an unfortunate ultra.
Ince reminisced about mingling with the ultras. With a nostalgic grin, he told Mirror Football, on behalf of bet365: "I'll tell you a story, all right? I got sent off against someone, unlike me. I missed a couple of games. We were playing against some team, I think it was Sampdoria or someone like that. I said to my best mate, who played for Inter, 'I'm going to spend a game upstairs with the ultras.'
Watch our full Champions League final interview with Paul Ince and Claude Makelele here
"I spoke to the ultras and this bossman came down with two of his sidekicks and took me all the way up to where all the ultras are. Some geezer went to grab me to say, 'Ah, Paul Ince.'
"The ultra turned around and smashed him straight in the nose. This poor geezer's nose was like that (mimicking a nose that has been flattened). I thought, 'Wow.' They were like, 'Don't touch Paul Ince, nobody touches Paul Ince.'"
Paul Ince of Inter Milan in action, circa 1997
Ince quickly became a fan favourite at the San Siro(Image: Photo by Professional Sport/Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Seeing a man take a huge hook to the nose would normally be anybody's cue to leave the area, but the blue and black lions den that is the Internazionale ultras is no normal place.
Ince continued to follow the head ultra, while other fans in the area perhaps cleared a path and avoided looking at the Englishman. While that supporter was left tasting their own blood, the ex-England international was hooked on the adrenaline rush of being with the fanbase - and nearly 30 years later, there's only one thing Ince wants to do.
He added: "They took me right to the front, right up to the nets and they were singing and chanting, it was the best atmosphere ever. To this day, I want to do it again, I'd love to do it again. I did not get many red cards in the Premier League. But in Italy, it was different. Players were rolling over, feigning injuries.
Paul Ince standing in front of a bet365 graphic advertising the Champions League final
Ince was speaking on behalf of bet365(Image: Hatch Group)
"I got sent off about three times, which was very rare for me. I was a strong tackler, but in Italy, I got sent off a lot. I think the fans loved me because of that. The fans were devastated when I left. The fans still love me and still idolise me, so it was great."
After two seasons with Inter, Ince returned to Liverpool, leaving the Italian club's fans and their passionate ultras heartbroken. It was family reasons that prompted his return to England.
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Yet, his legacy endures, and he remains a revered figure among the club's supporters. A warm welcome would await him if the ultras extend another invitation.
Paul Ince was speaking on behalf of bet365, the official global partner of the UEFA Champions League, which is hosting its Big Ticket Giveaway Game this Friday 30th May in Munich from 4pm, where fans have the chance to win tickets to the UEFA Champions League final. Full Terms and Conditions apply. Gamble Responsibly. Full interview can be found at bet365 News