Inter’s former defender Jonathan still holds a strong emotional bond with the Nerazzurri six years on from leaving.

The Brazilian made 66 appearances for Inter in two spells between 2011 and 2015, before leaving Europe to join Fluminense.

Despite Inter’s difficulties during that period, Jonathan remains attached to the club and is pleased to see Antonio Conte’s side sitting top of Serie A.

“I still follow Inter from afar,” he revealed in an interview with FCInterNews.it.

“I can see some games, not all.

“I know that now the Nerazzurri are playing well and are top in the standings, I can only be happy with this.

“Would I be happy if Inter won the Scudetto? Inter have remained in my heart.

“I would certainly be happy if that happened, but there are still a few games left.

“If Inter win the title then I would be very happy, I repeat, Inter is in my heart.”

Jonathan was asked to share some of his best memories from playing at Inter, recalling his joy when he signed for the club.

“My arrival at Appiano Gentile is a great memory,” the 35-year-old explained.

“It represented the realisation of a dream, that of playing for Inter, a great European team.

“There were lots of winners, some of whom had won the treble and this was really important.

“The best thing was when the boos (at San Siro) turned into applause.

“At first it was difficult for me, being booed by the Nerazzurri fans at every mistake is my worst memory.”

Jonathan also shared his thoughts on the current uncertain corporate situation at Inter, praising Conte for the work he has done to keep the team on the right path.

Asked whether it was difficult as a player to cope with such rumours flying around, he responded: “Definitely, you can’t find any security and it’s difficult.

“For the players’ mental state, you need a coach who can block out the outside world and it seems to me that Conte is doing a wonderful job in this regard.”

Jonathan also touched upon Inter’s current right wing-back Achraf Hakimi, tipping the Moroccan international to get even better.

“He is a young man who can still grow a lot,” he argued.

“From what I have seen he is doing well, I am happy for him and happy that the team has found a player of his quality, with plenty of margin for improvement.

“Hakimi will get even better in time.”