Former Inter striker spoke with La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the Milan Derby: “I’m organizing my farewell match. And at the Maracana, I’m waiting for my old Nerazzurri teammates…”. The ‘Emperor’ is set to play his final match in the near future, choosing to play one half of the match for Flamengo, the second for Inter. Turning his attention to the upcoming derby, Adriano talked about his memories of the historic matches against Milan:
“With Milan, it’s not just a derby, it’s emotion,” says the Brazilian. He now alternates between Italian and Portuguese, while his laughter, no, hasn’t changed.
When asked about Inter’s performance as viewed from Brazil, Adriano admits, “I can’t watch all the games. I sometimes watch one with my friends, and I always feel a bit anxious: it almost triggers the desire to get on the field. Inter is in a very positive historical phase, they’ve reached a great level for some time. They didn’t stop after winning, instead they have the ability to win again in Italy. And to try in Europe as well.”
Regarding the derby atmosphere, Adriano reminisces, “A full San Siro, the anticipation, the battle on the field: this is simply an incredible, magical match. And also unpredictable because, you know, anything can always happen.”
Adriano praises the current Inter squad: “From Barella to Bastoni: this generation has so much grit, desire to win. And then there’s an inspired coach guiding them.”
On Lautaro Martinez, Adriano is effusive: “There’s no need to comment too much on Lautaro: he’s an… illuminated striker. But all the attackers know how to strike, starting with Thuram: Inter is dangerous up front, Inzaghi has built a powerful and effective team.”
When told about Thuram considering him an idol, Adriano responds, “I didn’t see it, but it’s nice to be the inspiration for such an important striker. I played against his father – what a defender! – and now I wish him to score for a long time for my Inter.”
Recalling his favorite derby, Adriano vividly describes the 3-2 victory in December 2005: “I was really feeling good, I had a great understanding with Martins. I remember everything, the penalty scored, the free kick that led to Oba-Oba’s goal, and then the winning header at the end. We were angry because Milan had equalized, then Veron goes to take the corner and… you know the rest. As I tell it, I seem to hear San Siro’s roar again.”
Regarding his upcoming farewell match, Adriano expresses excitement: “I can’t wait, really. Even though I retired a few years ago, I needed to put a full stop to my career and say goodbye to old friends. I owed it to all those who loved me and continue to love me.”
Adriano concludes by sharing his enduring love for Inter: “Inter ‘consecrated’ me as Emperor. Isn’t that enough? (laughs) I’ve always been treated like a son by everyone, both by the club and the people. In Milan, I left painful memories, but also many beautiful, even wonderful ones. I can only say one thing: I adore Inter, I will always adore it. And I support it, against Milan and against all others.”
