Yahoo Sports Nerazzurri & Brazil Legend Professes ‘Undying’ Love For Inter Milan, Gives Derby Predictions
Legendary former striker Adriano says his love for Inter Milan is “undying.”
The Brazilian spoke to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews. He also called current Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez an “enlightened” striker.
Adriano spent a total of five and a half seasons at Inter, between 2004 and 2009.
The Brazilian made 163 appearances for the Nerazzurri across all competitions. He scored 73 goals for the club.
There is a widespread belief that Adriano never quite lived up to his potential on a long-term basis.
The Brazilian has always acknowledged that the tragic passing of his father in particular had an effect of distracting him and causing him to lose his form and motivation.
But even so, Adriano more than had his shore of memorable moments at Inter.
At his best, the Brazilian was arguably the most devastating striker in all of Serie A.
Former striker Adriano played a big role in Inter’s sequence of Serie A titles in the mid- to late-2000s.
Adriano: “My Love For Inter Is Undying”
Adriano commented that “Inter ‘consecrated’ me as L’Imperatore [Emperor, the former striker’s nicknamed].”
“Isn’t that enough?” he joked when asked if he still felt a strong connection to Inter.
“I always felt like I was treated as a son. Both by the club and by the fans.”
Adriano admitted that “In Milan, I experienced some painful memories.”
“But also some that were truly beautiful.”
“I can only say one thing,” the Brazilian added. “I love Inter. My love is undying.”
“I support Inter, against Milan and against all other teams.”
Of the derby against City rivals AC Milan, Adriano said that “Against Milan it’s not just a derby… it’s pure emotion.”
Meanwhile, as far as his favourite derby as a player, Adriano said “It’s simple. The 3-2 in December, 2005.”
“All the fans will remember that forever.”
“I felt incredible. I had a great understanding with [Obeafemi] Martins.” Adriano looked back.
He said, “I remember everything. The penalty I scored, the free kick that led to Oba-Oba’s goal.”
“And then the winning header at the end.”
“We were frustrated because Milan had equalized,” Adriano recalled. “And then Veron went to take the corner and.. you know the rest.”
“I had shivers. I can still almost hear the roar of the San Siro.”
Meanwhile, Adriano also gave his thoughts on the form of Inter captain Lautaro Martinez.
The Argentine has yet to score or assist a goal this season.
“There’s no need to comment excessively on Lautaro,” said Adriano. “He’s an ‘enlightened’ striker.”
“But all the striker know where the back of the goal is. Starting with Thuram.”
“Inter are dangerous up front,” he added. “Inzaghi has created an effective team.”
