In an interview with FCInterNews.it, former Inter wing back Alvaro Pereira has reflected on his three year period on the club’s books between 2012 and 2015.
“I still remember the welcome I received from my teammates. From Zanetti to Samuel. From Milito to Palacio and Marco Branca and Piero Ausilio who had done everything to get me from Porto,” the defender began the interview.
He then went on to speak about the two managers he worked under during his time with the club Andrea Stramaccioni and Walter Mazzarri.
“I played a lot under the former. When Walter arrived I preferred to move to Napoli to play more and not lose the possibility of being called up for the World Cup with Uruguay.”
Next he spoke on what it meant to him to have played for the club and whether he felt any pressure when playing for the club.
“It was a dream come true for me to play for Inter. As a child I admired Ruben Sosa and Chino Recoba and what an honour it was to be in the same team as Zanetti, Cordoba, Guarin, Handanovic and Ranocchia.”
“Did I feel pressured? No, I think the Nerazzurri paid me what I was worth. Back then I was in the national team and had won many titles with Porto, eight in three years to be precise, including the Europe League. Napoli and Lazio wanted me and the year before Porto did not want to let me go to Chelsea.”
Pereira proceeded to discuss the best player he played with during his time with the Nerazzurri which saw him make a total of 47 appearances across all competitions.
“I tell you the truth. I arrived only two years after the treble was won and many players from 2010 were still at the Nerazzurri. We are talking about football gods. If I have to name only one, I name Javier Zanetti.”
Next he was asked if he still keeps an eye out for Inter’s scores and whether he thinks things would have panned out differently for him had he been managed by Antonio Conte.
“Of course I do, I keep in touch with Godin and with Vecino. I’m happy that things are going well and that they are fighting for the title. I see that great results can come with Conte.
“Would it have been different if I played under Conte? That is clear. I know that he is a manager who relies on his wing backs a lot and they attack a lot.”
In conclusion he spoke on the upcoming Europa League clash Inter are due to play against another of his former employers, Getafe.
“It will be a balanced match. The Spaniards are strong and above all they are humble. They are a nice group and they want to go far.”
Now 34-years-old, Pereira is currently on the books of Paraguayan club River Plate Ascuncion. He joined his current employers at the end of the January transfer window on a free transfer from Nacional in his native Uruguay and has made two appearances since his move.