Former Inter defender Tarcisio Burgnich discussed ex-Nerazzurri winger Mario Corso, his relationship with coach Helenio Herrera and president Angelo Moratti in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Corriere della Sera.
First, he spoke positively of Corso, who passed away yesterday in hospital at the age of 78.
“He was immense. With his left foot he did what he wanted. He knew he was a great player, but he always remained simple. He was cheerful, he had his plan ready, but he never exaggerated.”
The 81-year-old Italian, who spent 12 years of his career with the Nerazzurri, then discussed what kind of player Corso was, and his various qualities.
“He was worth half the team, the other half was Suarez. If that Inter made history, they owe it to them. He was imaginative, the classic extra man. Even today he would have been among the best in the world and at the time he was the best. Individualist and a bit of a vagabond on the pitch, Herrera didn’t like him much, but he always made him play. When he came into the area, he drove the defenders crazy.”
He commented on Corso’s famous nickname, God’s left foot.
“Corso scored goals in every way, not just with knuckleball free kicks, he always fooled you. He was pure technique.”
Finally, Burgnich spoke about how Corso never got along with coach Helenio Herrera, and how the famous Inter coach tried to sell the Italian on many occasions.
“According to the Wizard, he didn’t live like a footballer, he often scolded him and, if he could, grounded him. But then he always made him play, he knew that he was the one who made us win. Herrera got angry, President Moratti defended him and pampered him, Corso was there.”
Corso spent 16 years of his career with the Nerazzurri, from 1957 to 1973. The player was a core part of the Grande Inter squad and won four league titles, two European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups with the Milanese club, before spending the final two years of his career with Genoa.
