Curtis Jones wins over Inter fans as Liverpool graduate settles into new Milan life

Curtis Jones may still be waiting for his breakthrough performance at Inter Milan, but the former Liverpool midfielder is already making a considerable impression away from the pitch.

The 25-year-old completed a permanent move to Inter late in the summer after the Italian club had initially targeted him in January.

Inter eventually returned for Jones as they reshaped Cristian Chivu’s midfield, and while his performances have so far provided only glimpses of his best qualities, his popularity among supporters appears to be growing quickly.

FCInterNews described Jones as the “star” of a special event at the Inter Store in San Babila this week.

Hundreds of supporters reportedly attended to meet the England international, take photographs and get a closer look at one of Inter’s major summer arrivals.

Inter have also leaned into Jones’ Liverpool roots. The club released a video in which the midfielder explains elements of the Scouse accent and various expressions to an Italian audience.

It is helping supporters become familiar with Jones while he adapts to a completely different environment after spending his career in Liverpool.

Corriere dello Sport also reports that Jones is enjoying life in Milan. His partner, Saffron Khan, is said to have settled well in the city too.

That matters given Jones had been waiting several months for the opportunity to join Inter.

The bigger challenge is now translating that positive start off the pitch into performances.

Jones has shown flashes of his technical quality in Serie A and produced some encouraging moments against Real Madrid, although an error also contributed to a goal.

His ability to carry possession through midfield has been noticeable. The next step is improving his decision-making over when to release the ball.

That distinction is important when comparing him with Davide Frattesi, whose game was more focused on attacking the penalty area. Jones potentially gives Chivu greater control and progression in possession.

Inter are reportedly in no hurry to force the issue. Chivu strongly supported his signing and intends to make Jones an important part of the project as he becomes more comfortable tactically.

Antonio Cassano has already added to expectations by declaring Jones a better player than Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay.

That is a significant comparison given McTominay’s success in Italy, but Jones will ultimately need time and performances before such claims can be properly judged.

Jones’ importance could increase further as Inter prepare for potential changes in midfield.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan could both depart in the relatively near future, potentially creating considerably more responsibility for Jones.

His experience at Liverpool, technical ability and leadership qualities are viewed as assets for that transition.

For now, Inter appear comfortable allowing him to settle gradually rather than demanding an immediate transformation.

The performances may still need to catch up, but Jones has already completed one important part of moving abroad: Milan and Inter supporters appear to have taken to him quickly.

The focus will increasingly shift from Jones’ successful integration in Milan to his performances for Inter.

Chivu is expected to continue easing him into the side, but potential future departures involving Çalhanoğlu and Mkhitaryan could eventually give Jones a much bigger role.

For the former Liverpool midfielder, the foundations appear to be in place. The next challenge is turning his growing popularity into the kind of performances that made Inter pursue him across two transfer windows.