Former Inter wing back Alvaro Pereira discussed his career, his time with the Nerazzurri, the current squad and his feelings regarding this season in an interview with Italian media outlet PassioneInter.com yesterday.
“I have a lot of good memories of the clubs where I played, I got to know different leagues with different cultures. But if I have to choose one, I would say that winning Copa America with Uruguay in 2011 was unforgettable.”
He touched on the strongest player that he’s ever faced.
“Even here it’s hard to choose, naming a player would probably be doing everyone else a disservice. But I would say Antonio Valencia, really difficult to contain.”
The 34-year-old commented on Inter and what they mean to him.
“It’s very simple, a top club in the world. It’s a dream for any footballer to be able to play with a football club like the Nerazzurri.”
Pereira spoke about what went wrong during his time with the Nerazzurri. He was contracted to the club from 2012 to 2015.
“I wouldn’t say it was bad luck, in my opinion those were seasons dedicated to rebuilding after the historical years. And I would add that the sale of the club and the corporate aspects necessarily ended up influencing what happened on the pitch.”
He moved onto discussing how it felt to play at the San Siro.
“Incredible sensation to enter that stadium. Playing at the San Siro was magical.”
The 34-year-old didn’t want to judge coach Antonio Conte’s work with the squad just yet.
“I think it’s still too early to judge. He’s building something, with a plan. Only time will tell if he’s doing it right.”
The Uruguayan touched on Inter’s campaign in the Europa League this season.
“Inter always aim high and have all the players to do well. I see the Nerazzurri doing well in this Europa League campaign.”
He commented on why Inter defender Diego Godin may be struggling to impress in Milan.
“He’s a player who is adapting to a new system and a different league, but he needs time and more continuity, in my opinion.”
Finally, Pereira agreed with Conte that the media unfairly target the Nerazzurri. The 51-year-old Italian coach recently complained to the media that the press have been criticising the club without reason this season.
“I certainly agree with Conte. He’s always criticized, even more than he’s pointed out.”