In an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, Inter legend Diego Milito has revealed what Jose Mourinho was like with the team prior to the Champions League final in the 2009/10 season.
The Argentine striker, who was pivotal in Inter winning a historic treble that season, firstly spoke on how he has dealt with having to live in quarantine as of late due to the ongoing global Coronavirus pandemic.
“It has been a difficult period for everyone. We have been isolated for 12 days, hoping that everything will go away as soon as possible.”
He then went on to reveal what Mourinho was like with the team in the dressing room at the Santiago Bernabeu prior to Inter taking to the pitch against Bayern Munich.
“He really calmed us. He was our leader, he knew of the importance of transmitting calm in those moments of tension.
“He knew what that moment meant for the whole Nerazzurri world. I remember before going to the stadium he told us to enjoy that day because we didn’t know if we would be able to live it again.”
Milito then discussed how he felt on the morning of the final which he would go on to score both of Inter’s goals in.
“I had a good feeling. I tried to be calm and had the desire to do well. It was obviously a special game, we knew it was a unique opportunity for all of us.
“We were aware that we could win. We arrived with such confidence after the victories in the league and the Italian Cup. I woke up with desire and calmness. Luckily we had a great game.
“I’m lucky to have scored two goals in the final, but it was the victory of an extraordinary group. I arrived at Inter at the right time, with a group that had already won 4 league titles in a row.”
Milito proceeded to share his thoughts on San Siro, former Inter president and owner Massimo Moratti and who his favourite striker is.
“San Siro is a mythical place. It was a dream come true to play there from day one.
“Moratti? We all love him. After the final I was happy for him, he deserved that joy for all the sacrifices he had made for Inter. It filled my heart. He was an important person for us.
“I’ve always been in love with Ronaldo, the Brazilian one. He had strength, speed and scored goals. He had it all. he was one of the best ever.”
He also spoke further on Jose Mourinho, who is now in charge of Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.
“He is one of the best managers I ever had. First of all because he really wanted me at Inter, and then because he always gave me great confidence.
“He is much more than a great communicator, he was very capable of understanding the moments of the players and the team. I learned a lot from him, in that year he was fundamental.”
