Julio Cruz insists he has no regrets over missing the chance to win the treble with Inter.
Cruz joined the Nerazzurri in 2003 from Bologna and remained in Milan for six years, before signing for Lazio in the summer of 2009.
Jose Mourinho’s side then went on to complete an historic campaign which culminated in Champions League glory, but El Jardinero was magnanimous about his decision to leave.
“For sure I would have liked to have won the Champions League with the Nerazzurri, but I have no regrets,” he explained in an interview with FCInter1908.it.
“Massimo Moratti wanted me to stay at all costs, but I’ve never been one who steals a living.
“I felt I was not at the centre of Mourinho’s project and I didn’t want to collect my salary while sitting on the bench or in the stands.
“I knew it wasn’t even a question of money, because with the president there was never any kind of problem.
“I preferred to try myself elsewhere, despite having Inter in my heart.”
Cruz reminisced about the teams that he was part of during his six-year stint at San Siro, during which he enjoyed great success, winning four Serie A titles, two Coppa Italia trophies and two Supercoppa Italianas.
“That dressing room was made up of great men before great champions,” he argued.
“We had common goals and we worked to help our teammates.
“Everyone was ready when called upon.
“I love so many of those guys that I remember with great affection.
“Even those who had won everything like Luis Figo managed to put themselves at the service of the team with real humility.”
Cruz also admitted it took him a while to get used to the sight of Antonio Conte coaching at Inter, having faced him numerous times as a Juventus player back in the day.
“I have to tell you that it surprised me a lot at the beginning,” he revealed.
“I know what Antonio represented for the Bianconeri, he had been their point of reference for years.
“As I always say, however, a great professional can succeed anywhere and he is the confirmation of this.
“He has everything it takes to get Inter back to winning and we must be happy with that.”
Cruz scored 75 goals in 197 appearances across all competitions for Inter.
In a separate interview, he shared some of his favourite Nerazzurri memories and explained why playing at San Siro was more special than everywhere else.
