Former Inter defender Lucio discussed his career with Inter, the derby against AC Milan and the current squad in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I remember my derbies well. I played five derby games and won four. Maybe I was lucky.”
The 41-year-old Brazilian discussed the Nerazzurri’s famous 4-0 derby win over the Rossoneri in the Treble season.
“It was a crazy game. Sneijder had just arrived and made a difference, Maicon and Thiago Motta scored and played very well. It wasn’t just any old derby result, we proved to be much stronger. We had more quality and it was a key game of the season.”
The former defender then touched on how he looks back at the Treble campaign.
“I think of Mourinho, he had strong character and personality and he gave so much to my career. He’s the best coach I’ve ever worked with. I remember the enthusiasm of the people when we qualified for the final. And then the hours before the match in Madrid and the final whistle, the party on the pitch with my son. And then President Moratti, a real gentleman, our first fan. His energy infected the whole team.”
Lucio spoke about his brief move to Juventus after the end of his Nerazzurri career.
“It was a mistake. In 2012 everything had changed, there was a coach, Stramaccioni, who told me to stay but it wasn’t what he wanted. In fact, every 10 minutes he called me Branca and told me to find a team. It wasn’t easy after all I’d done at Inter. There were no strong negotiations, on the last day I had no other options, my agent told me to go to Juve. But it was a wrong decision.”
The Brazilian discussed his brief time at the Bianconeri under the guidance of now Inter coach Antonio Conte.
“I think that Conte is a good coach, what happened could have been a good thing. Bonucci risked a long injury and Conte told me I’d play, then it didn’t happen, and I couldn’t find room. I was at Juve for a short time, I didn’t feel the same affection for the Bianconeri that I’ve always felt for Inter.”
Lucio spoke positively of the Italian coach.
“I have no grudge against the coach. Finally Inter is fighting again with Juve for the league title.”
The 41-year-old touched on Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku.
“I like him a lot, in Italy you need a strong, tough striker like him. You have to have the physique to break the defences. Lukaku is the right number 9 for Inter, he has the perfect characteristics.”
Finally, Lucio gave his prediction for tomorrow’s derby against the Rossoneri.
“It will finish 3-1 for Inter, no doubt about it.”
Lucio made 136 appearances across all competitions for the Nerazzurri in his three years at the club. In that time, he scored five goals and provided nine assists, being a regular in the squad. With Inter he won a league title, a Champions League trophy, two Coppa Italia trophies, a Supercoppa Italiana and a Club World Cup trophy.
