Former Inter forward Hernan Crespo discussed his career and time with Inter in an interview in today’s print edition of the French magazine France Football.

“The pleasure of playing in the Champions League is already a goal. With Parma it was special because it was the first and only qualification of the club.

“Then I played others with other clubs like Lazio, Inter, Chelsea, Milan. With AC Milan I remember it necessarily, that match marked the history of the Champions League and football.

“The final in Istanbul against Liverpool, 3-0 to 3-3. But there are also other good memories, the first goal with Parma against Galatasaray, the header with Inter against Ajax.”

He revealed that he never wanted to leave Inter and if his time in England with Chelsea was difficult.

“I have to be honest, I didn’t want to leave Inter. I wanted to stay, I’d bought a house ten days earlier, but for financial reasons, Inter had decided to sell me.

“My dream was to play in Italy, I had never thought or dreamed of playing in the Premier League and when I got there, I finally had a lot of fun! It was great, really two excellent years with a good relationship with the Blues fans.”

Crespo touched on how he enjoyed playing in England and how his childhood dream was to play in Italy.

“I really enjoyed the culture and mentality of English football and today it is the best league in the world. But, like the Champions League, it was a late love! As a child I dreamed of Italy.

“But I’m very grateful for that experience and the challenge was to allow the club to win, the satisfaction of winning the Premier League was overwhelming.”

Finally, Crespo spoke about which players are really impressing him today.

“There is already Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who are on a different level than the others. Then there are players that I like a lot like Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, Luis Suarez, if we are only talking about number 9s, because if we talk about players who have a particular vision, they can play.

“A player who suffers a bit due to his transfer fee but he has to adapt, and has incredible intelligence, is Antoine Griezmann. He won a world cup, he understands the game in an incredible way, in Barcelona, we have not yet seen his best version.

“He accepted the challenge, with a completely different philosophy, it will take time. But there are many players I love, I didn’t mention the Argentinians, like Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Lautaro Martinez.”

Crespo spent many seasons in Milan with the Nerazzurri, across the latter half of his career. In that time, he made 116 appearances across all competitions, for a total of 7018 minutes. In that time, he scored 45 goals and provided seven assists, being a popular figure at the club.

He won three league titles with Inter, as well as two Supercoppa Italiana. The only other league title he won in his career was with Chelsea in the 2005/06 campaign.

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Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi discussed his career, the Italian national team and some of the best players he played against in an interview with Italian journalist Nicolò De Vitiis on Instagram Live earlier today. His words were noted by Italian media outlet PassioneInter.

First, he created his strongest possible starting 11 of players he’s played with or against.

“In goal 50% Buffon and 50% Julio Cesar. In defense Samuel, Chivu, Maicon and Cannavaro. Then Cristiano Ronaldo, Figo, Stankovic and Gattuso in midfield. Up front I put Messi and Eto’o.”

Matrix spoke about former teammate Maicon.

“He was very strong, a colossus. He gave the best to Inter.”

He discussed the fun times he had with the national team and his teammates.

“I was making a beautiful mess, but everyone did a bit. It’s easier to say who kept quiet. After the games it was always a party, we were a great squad. Pirlo? How many jokes with Gattuso. He always seems quiet but he’s very clever, very clever.”

Materazzi discussed what he said to French star Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final, right before the player headbutted him.

“It felt like a big bang, I didn’t want to take yet another scolding from Gattuso and so I held his shirt. He responded and that’s what happened, luckily, I didn’t expect it otherwise I would have had an early shower too. He asked me if I wanted his shirt, I told him I wanted his sister.”

He spoke about how it is important for the relevant organisations to punish fans who insult or cheer against specific groups or players.

“In all the stadiums they sang against me ‘son of a bitch’, judges don’t understand anything. Everybody’s being all morale about this racism thing.

“You have to punish everybody, you have to close the Curva even for normal insults. Chants are always doing it to annoy the other side, I used to get angry. Why can they wind up me or Balotelli? If you sing against Neapolitans they close the Curva, if you sing against the Genoans they close the Curva.

“Even if it means the end of football because there will be no more fans. You have to ignore them, otherwise there are cameras and they don’t enter the stadiums anymore. It has to be like that in all the stadiums, otherwise the judges are clowns and cowards.”

The Italian touched on which three players were most difficult to play against.

“I’ve always said Cruz, he drove me crazy. The top three are the Inzaghi, Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet, they can always score goals against you.”

Materazzi discussed what he misses about football.

“Setting foot in the San Siro, your legs go by themselves. It’s the most beautiful stadium in the world.”

He spoke about which current players he likes the most.

“I really like Bastoni. There’s also Bonucci, a great pity that he’s in the wrong team. I told him it’s time to win something.”

Finally, Materazzi spoke about the future of the Italian national team and next summer’s European Championship.

“I also like Barella, Zaniolo and Chiesa. Chiesa is one of those that I would beat, because he is very strong but sometimes stressed. But I like him very much. With these talents we must return to winning, as Mancini said. First European Championship and then the World Cup.”

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Former Inter forward Luis Figo discussed his career and time at Inter in an interview with Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro on Instagram Live earlier today. His words were noted by Italian media outlet FcInterNews.

“I had a good time with almost all the coaches, especially with Queiroz who was the most important one for my career. With Cruyff, I had an unforgettable experience at Barcelona. Then I had Scolari, Mourinho at Inter and Del Bosque, all great coaches.”

The 47-year-old then highlighted why he did not mention former Inter coach Roberto Mancini.

“I suffered at Inter, but not because I played little. I was 34 years old, I knew what I could give, but it’s not normal for someone to warm you up for 85 minutes and then put you in at the end of the game to see if you explode. It takes respect. You have to be a professional at best and accept everything, but then the relationship is not the same.”

Figo joined the Nerazzurri from Real Madrid in the summer of 2005, where he spent four years before retiring. In that time, the Portuguese forward made 141 appearances across all competitions, for a total of 8871 minutes.

In that time, he scored 11 goals and provided 29 assists, forming an integral part of winning the scudetto titles in his two first season at the club.

During his time in Milan, Figo won four league titles, one Coppa Italia and one Supercoppa Italiana, adding six medals to his already huge collection.

The player famously played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, joining Los Blancos after five years with the Blaugrana. He suffered a lot of abuse from the Catalan club’s fans in every derby after the move during his time in Spain.

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Inter defender Diego Godin discussed the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, his time with the Nerazzurri and former team Atletico Madrid in an interview with the Uruguayan Football Federation on Instagram Liver earlier today. His words were noted by Italian media outlet FcInterNews.

“The situation here in Italy is improving, now you can run to the park and some companies can reopen. The restart of football? The league and the government are trying to reach an agreement on the health protocol. We’re waiting, we don’t know anything.”

He then spoke about the difficulties of living through the ongoing emergency.

“The first few days were very hard. Italy is the second country in the world where the pandemic exploded after China, the first in Europe. We were surprised because we had no experience. Here in the North the health system collapsed, there is the biggest outbreak. We saw bad pictures on TV. Not being able to say goodbye to a dead person or family members is the hardest thing about this situation.”

The 34-year-old spoke about Inter’s position in regard to the Coronavirus and the restart of the season.

“We spoke last week with the technical staff, doctors and management. Inter behaved spectacularly with us, they sided with the workers, not just us players. It has always given priority to health, to government regulations. Football is something that can distract people, but now there are other priorities and the club respects the government’s decisions. You have to applaud them, they behaved well.”

Godin discussed the Italian league and how he is finding it.

“I found a physical style of football, we work a lot on tactics. Even though we worked a lot on this with Cholo, here we take even more care, we study our rivals, we watch videos every day. Now I play in a back three, more or less like the one we had in Uruguay. But Conte’s line is aggressive, we defend in open space. I run more kilometers, it’s a big change after 20 years of my career, at all levels.”

He spoke about the toughest forward that he’s faced in Serie A.

“I have to think about it… We’ve played against Parma against some counter-attacks, Gervinho is a very fast forward and he’s made life difficult for us as well as Kulusevski.”

The Uruguayan defender discussed the ongoing Serie A title race between Juventus, Lazio and the Nerazzurri.

“Juve are first, Lazio have a squad they’ve known for years and they’ve improved it. We have to recover the game against Samp… Juve win matches with great authority, they have a deep squad, but I’m sure Lazio will fight until the end.”

Godin touched on his famous goal against Barcelona that secured the league title for Atletico.

“One of the best moments of my career, it was special. Then there are also the historic matches won in Champions League, the Copa del Rey win at the Bernabeu against Real.”

He spoke about his former coach Diego Simeone.

“Cholo is a complete coach, I’ve always said that. He works a lot on tactical work, he prepares the games intelligently. He has innate things.”

Godin was asked if he would return to Atletico Madrid to which he replied he wouldn’t return to play but wouldn’t exclude anything in the future after he’s stopped playing.

“A lot of people ask me that. Atletico was the most beautiful stage of my career, then I turned over a new leaf. Now I’m having a different experience at Inter, where I’m growing and learning new things. I’ll always be a fan, I don’t know if I’ll come back one day in another capacity.”

The 34-year-old spoke about his favourite memory with the Uruguayan national team.

“Without a doubt, beyond goals and victories, the moment when people welcomed us as champions after the 2010 World Cup.”

Finally, Godin spoke about his favourite goal with the Uruguayan national team.

“The one against Italy, without a doubt, at the 2014 World Cup. Then those in qualifying against Colombia and Bolivia.”

The post Diego Godin: “Inter Have Behaved Brilliantly Towards Us During This Covid-19 Crisis, Won’t Return To Play For Atlético Madrid” appeared first on Sempreinter.

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The FIGC and the Scientific Technical Committee of the Italian Government will meet tomorrow to discuss a possible resumption of training and the league, with many obstacles to overcome, according to a report from Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia earlier today.

The report details how individual training sessions would be safe to carry out with the right safety precautions, but group training and matches still pose an issue. The protocols that must be followed are very expensive both logistically and economically, making it difficult for Serie C clubs and amateur sides to follow them exactly.

There is also the need to find tests for the whole squad, in order to stop any new outbreaks. A new case of Coronavirus also poses a problem as currently it’s unclear what would happen should a player test positive after the start of group training.

The idea of playing the remaining games in areas of Italy less affected by Coronavirus is also being considered, the report continues. The Coppa Italia also poses a problem, as Inter still need to play Napoli in Naples, and 15 available dates would be needed, considering that the final also needs a date and both teams are still in European competition. Games may have to be played every three days from June 14th onwards.

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Former Juventus striker Nicola Amoruso discussed Inter coach Antonio Conte and Argentine star Lautaro Martinez in an interview with Italian news outlet Gazzetta.it earlier today.

First, he discussed how Conte’s mentality has transformed the Nerazzurri.

“Conte has turned the mentality and the programs upside down, immediately taking Inter to a higher level. He has always been very competitive and determined, and he knows how to convey his desire to everyone around him.”

He spoke about Lautaro Martinez and if the player will join Barcelona in the upcoming summer transfer window.

“Lautaro? It all depends on him. If he has decided to go and play with Messi, there is little to do. We could talk about how it’s one of those choices that change your life. Inter are also building well, but it will still take a few years before they will reach the top. I’m convinced that Lautaro has already decided to go, there’s a player’s career at stake, he’d join a team that’s always fighting to win, dominating.”

Finally, Amoruso touched on how it will be difficult emotionally for Lautaro to leave Inter.

“Certainly, leaving the Nerazzurri would also be a painful choice for him, as he’s had a great time in that environment and has done great things. I’m convinced that Inter would replace him adequately with a strong player.”

Barcelona are incredibly keen to sign Lautaro, after following him for many years. They believe he would be the perfect replacement for the aging Luis Suarez, who is currently sidelined with a serious injury. The 22-year-old Argentine forward, who is contracted to Inter until 2023, has made 31 appearances across all competitions so far this season, for a total of 2437 minutes. In that time, he has scored 16 goals and provided four assists, forming a formidable partnership with Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku.

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Italian journalist Fabio Ravezzani highlighted how Inter are prepared to restart the season should the medical conditions allow it and protocols are in place with a post on Twitter yesterday.

Today’s news contradicts the recent words of Italian minister of sports Vincenzo Spadafora, who complained about the number of clubs who are opposed to finishing the season, including Inter.

The Nerazzurri are willing to restart the season but want strong medical protocols in place to ensure the safety of all staff and players.

Ravezzani wrote on Twitter: “I understand from Inter that the club’s position has been made official in the League Council: in favor of a restart with the right protocol. Good. Curiously, even the 2-3 clubs that seemed pro-stop were in favor. Ergo, Spadafora made the whole thing up.”

Apprendo dall’Inter che la posizione del club è stata ufficializzata nel Consiglio di Lega: favorevole alla ripresa con il giusto protocollo. Bene. Curiosamente, si sono espressi a favore anche i 2-3 club che sembravano pro stop. Ergo, Spadafora si era inventato tutto.

— Fabio Ravezzani (@FabRavezzani) May 2, 2020

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Inter are prepared to restart the season but require that health protocols are created and followed by all Italian clubs, according to a report from Italian media outlet FcInter1908 earlier today.

The report details how Inter are in favour of finishing this season, which has currently been suspended due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The Nerazzurri want a list of protocols in place in order to ensure the safety of all the players and the staff, with much of the plan relying on the approval of medical professionals.

The Italian football federation will meet with the Government’s Scientific Technical Committee tomorrow to discuss plans and guidelines, the report continues, with a potential return to training being set for May 18th.

The league still plans to be fully completed by UEFA’s deadline of August 2nd, necessary to compete in next season’s Champions League and Europa League. The Nerazzurri have already recalled all their players who left to return to their native countries.

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Former Inter coach Jose Mourinho discussed his time in charge of Spanish giants Real Madrid, the club he joined straight after winning the Treble with the Nerazzurri, in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Madrid based newspaper Marca.

First, he discussed if the 2011/12 season with Real Madrid was the highest point in his coaching career.

“It’s very difficult for me to say if that was the highest point or not. But obviously it was a very important moment because it happened in a special period when Barcelona dominated.

“It put an end to that domination and we did it reaching a point record and a goal record like that, which made it even more interesting and important, since we did it in the best possible way. It’s not just that we won the league, it’s that we did it in a way that has made history.”

Finally, Mourinho spoke about the league titles he’s won and his work across Europe.

“That was my special treble, if we leave aside the Portuguese league, of course. I wanted to win and succeed in Italy, England and Spain. And I’m still the only coach who has done that. The truth is that I really wanted to go down in the history of football that way, but I also really wanted Real Madrid and to win with Real Madrid.”

The Portuguese coach guided Inter to the first Treble in Italian football history and the sixth in European football in the 2009/10 season.

With a team of stars like Javier Zanetti, Diego Milito and Samuel Eto’o, the Nerazzurri won the league title, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, only failing to win the Supercoppa Italiana domestically.

He famously joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2010 and again found success there, winning a league title, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España, before returning to Chelsea in 2013.

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Former Inter forward Alvaro Recoba discussed his time at Inter and his former teammates in an interview with Football Vintage Classic on Instagram Live earlier today with his statements reported by Italian media outlet FcInterNews.

“I went from not playing with Danubio to going to Inter, it was an explosion. I’ve never had time to be a fan of a particular team. Today I’m a fan of the Nacional, but I’m grateful to Danubio. Not to mention Inter, with whom I spent ten wonderful years.”

He spoke about the future of the Uruguayan national team, considering how many stars are aging.

“This renewal of players won’t be easy. There isn’t two Suarez, two Cavani, two Forlan or two Godin. There are players with similar characteristics, but they will never be the same.”

Recoba spoke about former Inter forward Ruben Sosa.

“I played some friendly matches with him in the national team, but not at Inter, he wasn’t playing anymore. He was my idol, today having him next door is incredible.”

The Uruguayan spoke about his time at Inter.

“It was an explosion of happiness, I was still a kid, I had an incredible desire. At the first game, going in and scoring goals wasn’t normal. In football you always have to take advantage of the opportunities you have, and in that case, I made the most of it.

“Ronaldo was at Inter, I had to earn the shirt. I was lucky enough to score at the beginning and play. Ronaldo took us by the hand and helped us win the UEFA Cup. I had just arrived when I scored those goals, I didn’t understand Italian well, Moriero asked me to put my foot down, he took my foot, put it on his knee and started to shine it. I put my hand on his head because I was embarrassed, then it became a typical celebration.”

Recoba discussed former Inter and AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy.

“He was my teammate at Inter. Huge football quality and great person. He played as a trequartista, it was brilliant to have him play in front of the defense, in that role he was the best I’ve seen in my whole life. An incredible quality, he had an absurd precision with the ball.”

He also spoke about other teammates he had at Inter.

“I was lucky, but it also depends on the age I played with them, Batistuta at Inter for example, he wasn’t the same as when he was at Fiorentina or Roma. Vieri and Adriano were animals, but if I had also had Batistuta, Figo or Baggio in the same condition, it would have been different.”

Finally, he spoke about former teammate Sinisa Mihajlovic.

“He too was impressive, tremendous on free kicks, the best I’ve ever seen but there were others like Roberto Carlos, Ibra, Figo. We were always challenging each other, that always improved us. It’s all about training.”

Recoba spent 11 years of his life with Inter, between 1997 to 2008. In that time, he won two league titles, two Coppa Italia, two Supercoppa Italian and an UEFA Cup. He made 261 appearances for the Nerazzurri across all competitions, scoring 71 goals and providing 26 assists in that time.

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