Uruguayan former Inter defender Martin Rivas, spoke exclusively with FcInterNews. about his four season long stint at the club as well as what he is currently up to.
“I am currently representing the brand Givova and my partner is the former Nacional and Racing Santander Goalkeeper Mauricio Nanni” Rivas began before moving on to talk about his move to the Nerazzurri in the summer of 1998: “I was too young to move to Inter. I was just coming from the Under 20’s. When I looked around I saw great players like Ronaldo, Baggio, Cordoba, Zamorano, Paulo Sousa, West, Blanc, Recoba, Simeone, Bergomi and Vieri. I was not prepared. I did not play but I learnt a lot from my experience there.”
Rivas then moved on to talk about the great team-mates he had at Inter sayin that: “Ronaldo was impressive, Baggio was pure class and Blanc was one of the best defenders I have ever seen. I still talk to Cordoba, Zanetti, Zamorano and Recoba. Both Lippi and Simoni taught me a lot although I did not play that much.”
He also went on to discuss the incident between Ronaldo and Mark Iuliano in the Derby d’Italia in 1998: “It was a penalty for me. Because of the unallocated penalty Inter did not win the scudetto as that match was the decisive game. Uefa Cup? I only played against Schalke so I maybe I don’t feel like a winner”
He also talked about the Inter’s current situation and named some Uruguayan talents for Inter scouts to look at: “What I like most in Italian football is the tactics. My countryman Matias Vecino is having a good season. Also Icardi is a born goalscorer. Inter can fight for the scudetto this season. Uruguayan talents? The U-20 side has a very strong team. There is Agustin Canobbio and Carlos Benavidez.”
In conclusion Rivas gave his opinion on Atletico Madrid’s young Uruguayan defender Jose Maria Gimenez who has been linked with a move to the Nerazzurri: “If Inter were to buy him they would secure their defense for the next 10 years. He has everything, speed, technique, aerial skills and personality. He has already shown this at Atletico Madrid and also the national team.”
