Former Inter midfielder Felipe Melo discussed the comments made by Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini, as well as many hot topics surrounding the Nerazzurri like the futures of Lautaro Martinez and Mauro Icardi, in an interview with Italian media outlet FcInter1908 yesterday evening.
“It’s bad that the Juventus captain says things like that. Who’s talking behind him, I don’t like him. I don’t want to talk about this man. A man of character can’t afford to talk behind his back. He had two years in Turin, he could talk to my face. Same thing with Balotelli. We’re at a time when we have to think about helping our fellow man. This terrible virus is killing people. This is no time to talk about others.”
He spoke about the Nerazzurri and his two years with the club.
“It was a childhood dream to play for Inter. Leaving Galatasaray, a team I have in my heart, to move to Inter was fantastic. My experience in Milan didn’t last long, but it happens. My Inter had some problems, but nothing important. I talk every day with the Brazilians who were at Inter with me, but in the end, everyone has their own life. I also talk to some former players like Cannavaro, Frey and Mutu. I’m happy that today the Nerazzurri are back to fighting for the top spots in the league table, I hope soon the same can happen in the Champions League too.”
The 36-year-old Brazilian spoke about his relationship with former Inter coach Roberto Mancini.
“We won together at Galatasaray and he brought me into the team where I dreamed of playing. It meant a lot to me and he’s one of the strongest coaches around. Now he has brought the Italians back to watching the Italian national team. Today people look at them with passion and they think they can win something.”
Melo then touched on his relationship with another former Inter coach, Frank de Boer.
“I can’t afford to speak ill of people. What happens on the pitch stays there. If I start talking about a third of what happened to me in the teams I played in, we could write three books. It’s unprofessional. It definitely didn’t go well, but it happens. Luckily Inter are back on the right track.”
He gave his thoughts about former Nerazzurri president Erick Thohir, as well as Inter legend Javier Zanetti.
“He wasn’t anything, but the real president has always been there and that’s Zanetti. Javier has always been there, he’s there today and he always will be.”
The former Juventus midfielder spoke about Inter owned forward Mauro Icardi, who is currently on loan with Paris Saint Germain.
“He’s a quiet guy, he has a big heart. He behaved quite well with us, nothing to say. He could only rebuild his relationship with Inter fans by coming back and leading the team to win the Champions League. It’s the only way. Him at Juventus? It would be his choice. It should be respected. Honestly, I’d recommend it, because they’re an important team. It would also be great to play with Cristiano Ronaldo. Some clubs that are huge and should be respected.”
Melo discussed Inter captain Samir Handanovic and his qualities.
“He’s too professional. When he starts talking, everyone stays silent. He always says the right thing. And then he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world. I’m glad Inter has a captain like him.”
The Brazilian thought that the Nerazzurri should consider integrating Radja Nainggolan into the squad.
“A great footballer. I’d take him back to Inter 100%. If he had stayed this summer, Inter would have gained 10 more points on the table.”
The 36-year-old also dreamed of a deal that would see Barcelona star Lionel Messi move to Milan.
“I’d take the plane to go to Pinetina with the shirt with his name on the back. I would say to him ‘Messi, could you sign please? Thank you’. Now I start praying every day for that too.”
Melo was positive about Inter’s decision to sign Romelu Lukaku.
“I’ve said many times that Inter should have signed Lukaku, he’s one that makes a difference.”
Melo discussed Inter star Lautaro Martinez.
“He’s the future of football. He always scores and he’s a warrior, that makes the difference. Maybe, if he goes to Barcelona, in return we could see Messi to Inter. He’s good.”
The Brazilian spoke about Inter midfielder Christian Eriksen, who joined the club in January.
“Strong, but not a phenomenon. They thought he was extraordinary, but he’s not. Even at Tottenham he didn’t play all the time. He has excellent qualities, but they’re not easy to emerge.”
The 36-year-old spoke about his new role as a more defensive player.
“I now play defence. It was going well until the stop, I hope I can get back on the pitch soon. Who am I inspired by in my new role? I really liked Cannavaro, as well as Schiavi, Samuel, Stam and Marco Materazzi. With Matrix we talk to each other from time to time.”
Finally, Melo spoke about his future and what he might do.
“I have everything clear in my mind. Maybe I’ll say it soon, but first I’m thinking about winning everything with Palmeiras. Maybe I’ll go back to Italy to work in TV, that could be it. I’ll be back 100% to see Inter at the stadium.”
