Nicolas Burdisso has nothing but fond memories of his time playing at Inter, a period he described as arguably the best of his career.
The Argentine joined the Nerazzurri in 2004 from Boca Juniors and spent the next five years at the club, before departing for Roma in 2009.
Burdisso made a total of 139 appearances across all competitions for Inter, during which time he scored eight goals, provided five assists and won seven trophies, including four Serie A titles.
“There were two other teams who wanted me but when Inter came forward, they were the number one choice for me,” the 39-year-old revealed in an interview on Friday with FanPage.it.
“I had the opportunity to play five years with great champions.
“I needed to play and gain experience and that is why, in addition to playing as a central defender, I played at right-back, left-back and even also as a midfielder.
“I learned a lot.
“The years at Inter, along with those at Boca and the first year at Roma, were the best years of my career.”
Burdisso also spoke on how former Inter president and owner Massimo Moratti, former Inter coach Roberto Mancini and his ex-Nerazzurri teammates treated him during the period when his daughter was ill.
“Moratti was a unique president, different from many others,” Burdisso recalled.
“He is a very human and charismatic person.
“At that moment both he, Mancini and my team-mates had a lot of respect for me and for my daughter.
“That is why I wanted to come back and win many trophies with Inter, and also kick off a streak of great successes.
“It was my way of repaying what they, Moratti above all, had given me.”
In conclusion Burdisso was asked about his decision to join Roma on loan in the summer of 2009, the summer before Inter went on to win a historic treble under Jose Mourinho.
“I don’t know if it was a wasted opportunity (to miss out on the treble),” he added.
“That’s just how it went.
“We reached the final of the Coppa Italia and fought for the Scudetto against Inter with Roma that season.
“It wasn’t just any Inter either but the treble-winning side, the last great Italian team.
“Personally I really liked facing that Inter team, as a matter of principle competitiveness and being able to measure myself against great players.”