Ronaldo, speaking to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, gave credit to the current Inter squad for defeating Lazio and helping the club overcome the disappointment of 2002.
“They have avenged that fateful May 5th, and for that, I thank them. It was a great gift for the Inter fans and for us players who were unable to deliver in the past. We wanted it so much, only those on the field will ever know just what it meant. Although the team didn’t win the Scudetto on Sunday, qualifying for the Champions League means that the club has returned to where it is supposed to be.”
He continued to review Sunday night’s dramatic 3-2 win over Lazio that secured Inter’s place in next year’s Champions League.
“At the decisive moment of the match, Inter gave something more than their opponents. It has happened a few times this season, but not always. Certainly, it has almost never happened in recent years. A friend of mine told me that, in previous years, Inter would definitely have lost a match such as this. But this time they won, and that makes all the difference.”
Il Fenomeno also spoke highly of Luciano Spalletti and the effect he has had on Inter this term.
I do not know in detail what he did for the club this year, but I am convinced that coaches do not change much over time. When I was in Italy, Spalletti was formidable with some very strong ideas. With Roma, I’m told he often made the right changes to win the match. For me, a centre-forward can do well on their own (as I often did) but sometimes they need support. Against Lazio, Spalletti made sure the team provided support to Icardi.
Ronaldo then went on to speak on current Inter striker and captain Mauro Icardi in further detail.
Icardi is a player who thinks about scoring goals more than anything. He would be the first to admit, I hope, that all players can always find ways to improve but I do not understand those who question a player who scored 29 goals. The goals he has scored at the most decisive times are more frequent than the ones he misses. Twenty nine goals in Italy is a lot – trust me, I know!
“You must ask him! I do not think that Inter have any doubts about the player, how could they? To make a champion team, the club must keep all of its strongest players. To not give continuity to this successful season would be a waste of effort.”
He concluded the interview by discussing the transfer market and how Champions League will affect it.
Indeed, Ausilio will have some more freedom, but the money from the Champions League does not necessarily mean big purchases right away. Before attracting these big players, Inter must first show that they are truly back. The Champions League is the most important cup that is played because it strengthens Inter’s image and makes them an important brand in world football. That said, qualifying for the Champions League is not everything. Overcoming Juventus and winning the scudetto is difficult, but that is what Inter must be aiming for.”
