NBA and Los Angeles Lakers star Steve Nash is set to re-visit his talent for football as he takes part in a try-out of sorts with Inter on Tuesday.
The two-time NBA MVP will join the Nerazzurri during their pre-season training camp as they arrive in New Jersey ahead of the Guinness International Champions Cup tournament.
With the likes of AC Milan, Valencia, Juventus, Chelsea and Real Madrid also taking part, Nash is excited about what the tournament could do for the sport in north America, but is thrilled at the chance of being able to join the Italian giants and demonstrate his talent for the sport.
“It’s a dream come true to get a chance to try out, not just to try out but to take the field with Inter Milan, one of the great, storied franchises in professional sports,” Nash said in an interview with the Associated Press. “I feel like a little kid.”
Nash played both football and hockey as a child before pursuing his career in basketball, and despite being an avid football supporter he has gone on to become one of the best players to play the game in the NBA.
The 39-year-old is part of the ownership group of the Vancouver Whitecaps, and will use the opportunity to train and “try-out” with the stars of Inter to continue his rehabilitation process ahead of the new basketball season.
“It’s going to be a lot higher than it is playing basketball, for sure,” Nash said. “I still get nervous for basketball games from time to time. When I get out on the court, I don’t get nervous, but before. To go out there with guys that I look up to and watch play, it’s definitely going to raise the nerves. I’ll be really nervous and really excited,” he added.
However, his choice may not go down too well with team-mate Kobe Bryant, who grew up in Italy and is an avid supporter of city rivals AC Milan.
The 34-year-old was at Milanello last weekend as he continues his comeback from a torn Achilles tendon, and the hope will be that there are no hard feelings when the two reconvene for pre-season training camp back in Los Angeles.
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