Legendary former Inter central midfielder Esteban Cambiasso has shared his belief that former Inter president and owner Massimo Moratti was a man who is never satisfied despite all the success Inter had under his ownership.
Cambiasso spoke on a range of topics as part of the newly released book ‘the history of Inter in 50 portraits’ and he recalled Inter’s elimination from the Champions League in the first season under Jose Mourinho.
“We went out against Manchester United with the feeling that the famous details were missing, and that the club and the coach have a plan on how to develop them.
“The previous year, however, Mancini had played for his future as manager after the return match with Liverpool because his statements had irritated Moratti.
“Now that we can give a historical judgment, it must be recognised that Mancini’s merits in creating the winning foundations were great, but it is true that after four seasons the relationship with the team was a little tired, let’s say a marriage with a waning passion and Moratti had perceived it.
“Although we managed to bring home the Scudetto, the change was in the air. Moratti is like that, the kind of person who is never completely satisfied with the goals achieved.”
Cambiasso then spoke on Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s departure from the club at the end of Mourinho’s first season as he left for Barcelona.
“I know few professionals of his level. He wanted to change teams and he said it, but on the pitch he trained at maximum intensity until the last session with us.
“Of course, looking at the situation as a whole, the fact we were in California was precious as there were two or three journalists and a bunch of fans in tow. If we had been in Brunico or Pinzolo, the media would only have talked about the negotiation, and in the long run it would have been tough to manage.”
The former Argentine national team player, who is one of the greatest midfielders to have ever represented Inter, then spoke on the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager to replace Roberto Mancini.
“It was felt that a champion would be replaced by another champion. Mourinho was the fresh air. He never told us to aim for yet another Scudetto or the Champions League but it was obvious that he had come to try to win everything, and that he considered us capable of doing it.”
Cambiasso also spoke on former Inter and Argentine national team teammate Diego Milito, who is another of Inter’s treble winning heroes.
“There was a certain level skepticism because Diego had scored a lot of goals the previous season, but for Genoa, a club that is not aiming to win trophies.
“People wondered how he would adapt to the much higher pressure that there is at Inter? I was calm because Diego, had played for Racing in Argentina. They are a great club and he already knew about the stress of winning.”
Cambiasso spent a total of 10 years with Inter between 2004 and 2014. He made 431 appearances acrosss all competitions during his trophy filled spell with the club. He scored 51 goals, provided 34 assists for his teammates and won 15 trophies.
