Yahoo Sports Ex Brazil Star Admits Coaching Inter Milan After AC Milan ‘A Complicated Choice’
Leonardo admits that making the decision to become Inter Milan coach with an AC Milan was “complicated” for him.
The Brazilian former midfielder spoke to Italian journalist Ale Catellan on his YouTube channel. He looked back on his move to the Nerazzurri in 2010.
Leonardo is certainly a familiar face within Italian football.
During his playing career, the Brazilian international spent four seasons with AC Milan. He made over a hundred appearances for the Rossoneri, helping them to the Serie A title in the 1998-99 season.
Then, Leonardo had a final campaign with Milan in the 2002-03 season.
It was more of a cameo for the Brazilian, who hardly played, particularly in Serie A. But he did score twice in the Coppa Italia as Milan went on to lift the trophy.
After hanging up his boost, Leonardo would become a coach.
And the Brazilian took charge of his former team Milan in his first job.
However, that ended with very mixed result. He and the Rossoneri went their separate ways at the end of the 2009-10 season.
Leonardo: “Coaching Inter With AC Milan Past A Complicated Choice”
Midway through the 2010-11 season, Leonardo then took over as coach of Milan’s city rivals Inter.
“For me, it was a very complicated choice,” he admitted. “Because I was very attached to Milan.”
“It was true that there were disagreements when I left. But something like that doesn’t mean anything with the fourteen years I spent there.”
Leonardo noted that former Inter President Massimo Moratti was “decisive” for him taking charge of Inter.
“I loved him. I admire him, I always had.”
“He called me to his house,” Leonardo said of the former Nerazzurri President.
“We didn’t see each other until almost midnight, a few days before Christmas. It was a bit secretive.”
“I accepted. Then before I went, I called [former Milan CEO Adriano] Galliani and told him it was happening.”
“I told him, I know that we’re not speaking anymore. But I wanted to tell you.”
“He didn’t give me his blessing,” Adriano admitted of Galliani. “But with his silence, I felt more free to go.”
