Former Inter centre-back Andrea Ranocchia looked back on his long stint at the club and felt that the 2021 Serie A title was a liberating moment for him.

The defender joined Inter from Genoa in 2010 and remained at the club until last summer, before joining Monza on a free transfer but ultimately retiring after a single appearance, having suffering a fractured fibia.

In an interview with the Lega Serie A, and as reported by FCInterNews.it, Ranocchia spoke of what it meant to help the Nerazzurri secure the Scudetto under coach Antonio Conte in 2021, ending a barren run of 11 years for the club.

“I was at a great club for many years and I was also captain for a season,” the 34-year-old declared.

“I will carry with me all the emotions I felt, but also the responsibilities and difficulties that being captain of a great team like Inter entails. It was a long journey, with difficult moments.

“Then when we arrived, all of us, at the Scudetto, it was a liberation. After so many years of chasing, it was the most important moment of my football life.”

Ranocchia admitted that a career littered with injuries and struggles for form was made worth it by the send off he was given by Inter fans before departing last year.

“I was lucky and also good. I was lucky but also good over the years to stay there, to try to improve, to always help the team.

“Let’s say that the final reception I received at San Siro repaid me for all the efforts I have made over the years. It was really beautiful. Together with the Scudetto, it’s a memory I’ll always keep with me.”

The former Hull City and Sampdoria loanee turned his attention to Inter’s current chances of winning the league title, and backed them to overcome a difficult period of form to recover.

“They went through a difficult period but it’s a strong group, I know almost all the boys both for their footballing and human qualities.

“I hope and believe that they will reach the end of the year being satisfied and winning trophies. I’m their first fan and we hope they can get back to the top,” he added.

Inter face Monza in Serie A this evening and Ranocchia considered the meeting between his former clubs, warning the Nerazzurri not to be complacent.

“Of course Inter are a team, a super team, so they will try to impose their game as they do in all matches.

“I hope it will be a good match, but it remains to be seen how each team plays. The technical difference will be important, but matches are always open and anything can happen,” he concluded.

Ranocchia made 226 appearances for Inter, scoring 14 goals.