The Athletic is providing live updates on the Champions League Final featuring PSG and Inter Milan in 2025.
Meeting the Coach
Jamie Redknapp, a former England midfielder and Sky presenter, remarks, “Next, he’s meeting the big boss, Jose Mourinho. I think wearing the shirt will make it real for him as an Inter Milan player.”
A Memorable Reality Show
Ben Greenhalgh chuckles as he recalls his time on “Football’s Next Star,” a 2010 Sky One show that offered a six-month contract with Inter as a prize. Thousands of young boys participated, eventually narrowing down to ten who lived in a villa by Lake Como.
Fighting for Survival
Greenhalgh states, “Every week felt like a battle to stay in the competition over winning it.” The show was similar to the X Factor, with Marco Monti, Inter’s academy technical director, playing the role of Simon Cowell. Greenhalgh not only won but ended the season sporting a Champions League medal.
Life Changes Dramatically
For the 17-year-old, the transformation was surreal. He went from being on the periphery of non-League football with Welling United to training alongside football legends at Inter. “My life flipped upside down,” he says, recalling the overwhelming experience of receiving a handshake from Mourinho.
A Fading Dream
Though Greenhalgh later returned to England and played for clubs like Brighton and Welling, his time at Inter remains unforgettable. He remembers Jim alongside players like Patrick Vieira and Mario Balotelli, cherishing stories from a victorious season.
Reflecting on Experiences
Greenhalgh recognizes the challenges that come with a reality TV background, noting reactions from coaches and the competitive atmosphere at elite clubs. Despite the early pressures, he enjoyed his time in Italy, sharing fond memories of team camaraderie and tactical training.
Golfing and Future Aspirations
After transitioning to a professional golf career, Greenhalgh humorously recalls using his Champions League medal as a golf marker. Now, he aims for Inter to regain their trophy against PSG, drawing parallels between the current squad’s tenacity and Mourinho’s historic team.
