Treble winner, Diego Milito, was interviewed by Rome based Corriere dello Sport, with a focus on the upcoming Derby della Madonnina this Sunday.
The former Nerazzurri striker was asked about the derby stating that: “The Derby will be a very balanced game. These kind of Derbies are very unique, in the sense that concentration and determination will decide the winner, over the perceived quality of each team. It’s usually a very close game, in which the superfine details will make the biggest differences.”
Which Derby do you have the fondest memories of?
“My first at San Siro was certainly one of my best. We won 4-0 and played a great game.”
Which players from each side will be decisive for their teams?
“I hope Lautaro Martinez can make a difference because I know him and I think he’s a great guy. Obviously, I hope Inter win, but they need to be careful because Milan are a strong team, that will punish the Nerazzurri if they lose concentration. To answer your question, I’d say Higuain and Suso are their most dangerous players.”
What was it like having Maradona as a coach?
“It was very exciting. You have to put yourself in our shoes, we were being trained by the myth, the legend, the man that we idolized. To have him in front of us, instead of watching him through the TV screen, was chilling. He was very good, even as a tactician. We are talking about one of the best players in the history of football, he understands the game and it was overall a good experience.”
So, why did you not have more chances in the national team?
“This is a good question, one that I’ve asked myself a lot. I look at the glass as half full, to prevent myself from getting depressed. I am very fortunate to have played at a World Cup and two Copa America’s. The World Cup in 2010 was a very competitive time for the striker position in Argentina. We had Messi, Tevez, Aguero, Higuain and Palermo, so as much as I would of liked to have played a lot more, I understand the difficulties in picking a team and trying to keep everybody happy. My only regret during my international career, is not going to Germany for the 2006 World Cup”.
Who was the most important coach of your career?
“This is a difficult question. I have always said that I learnt something from everyone. There were great coaches in Argentina for youth and then of course in Italy I had Mourinho who was certainly one of the best but if I can only pick one, then I’d give credit to Bielsa. He helped me a lot, he gave me the opportunity to play for the national team and taught me a lot of tactics and technicalities.”
What was so special about the Treble winning team?
“We were a really close group of great people, not just champions. As players, we were extraordinary as well, our dream was to win the Champions League. From my first day at Inter, the message was made clear: win. I always like to reminisce about how lucky I was to be apart of it, because together, we achieved something that would be remembered in Football history and Inter forever.”
What coach could you compare Mourinho with?
“He’s a coach who knows what to say at exactly the right time. He see’s every detail and is capable of getting 100% out his players. These are not skills that every coach possesses, which is what makes Mourinho one of the best.”
Who was the toughest defender you met in your career?
“I’ve played against many great defenders. Walter Samuel was one of the hardest for me to get past and then there are the likes of Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini, of course.”
Which is your favourite goal that you’ve scored throughout your career?
“For beauty and importance, the second goal at the Bernabeu in the final of 2010 was the best. Even the goal against Roma in the Coppa Italia final was very nice.”
Who is the smartest player you’ve ever played with, on and off of the field?
“Esteban Cambiasso, without a doubt.”
Which player provided you with the best passes?
“Wesley Sneijder was incredible in this regard but Stankovic could also provide some very good long balls.”
You had a very serious injury at one point. What are your memories of that time?
“It was definitely the worst moment of my career, luckily, it was the only serious one I’ve had, but at that moment it felt like the whole world had just fell on me. Immediately, I felt incredible pain and I knew that it was the type of pain that would keep me out for a long time, but I was determined to get back to my best and keep chasing my childhood dream.”
Now, give us an honest answer, do you recall any serious locker room confrontations?
“The first year of my time with Inter, we went to the Marassi to play Genoa and it was a new experience for me because I spent a lot of time there and made some good friends, including the coach. I came off of the back of a great season for the club, so it was a very special game for me. I felt bad, confused and excited, but Mourinho told me in the dressing room: “you will sit out today because I can see you are not prepared.” I defiantly replied: No, I can play, do not worry.” We drew 0-0 and didn’t play very well, so in hindsight Mourinho was absolutely right because it felt like I was playing a game between friends.”
