Benfica and former Inter midfielder Joao Mario has given his congratulations to the Nerazzurri for reaching the Champions League semifinals.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Amazon Prime following yesterday’s 3-3 draw at the San Siro, via FCInterNews, the 29-year-old didn’t hesitate to give credit to the Nerazzurri for the 5-2 aggregate win in the tie.

Mario will have had a unique perspective in the quarterfinal tie between Inter and Benfica.

The Portuguese international, who won the Euros with his country in 2016, joined the Nerazzurri from Sporting CP shortly after that triumph.

Mario’s time at Inter never went quite according to plan, and the midfielder ended up spending time with the likes of Spartak Moscow and West Ham United on loan before going back to Sporting on loan during the 2020-21 season.

Mario helped Sporting to their first league title in almost two decades in that season, but then made a surprise move to their city rivals Benfica on a permanent basis the following summer.

The ex-Inter midfielder has emerged as a key player for Benfica since his arrival, and this season has played a role as they look set to win their domestic league title.

In addition, Mario has been outstanding for Benfica throughout their Champions League campaign, helping them to two wins over Juventus and draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the group stage.

The Aguias thrashed Club Brugge 7-1 on aggregate in the round of sixteen, but it was against Mario’s former side Inter that their adventure hass come to an end, with the Nerazzurri going on to the semifinals.

Of being eliminated, Mario said that “That’s how football is, we’ll have to evaluate what happened over the two matches.”

“Congratulations to Inter who were the better team, now we have to look ahead because we have a league title to win.”

The Portuguese also looked back on his time with Inter, stating that “I have many good memories of Inter here in Milan, it was my first home away from Portugal so it’s always special.”

“I must reiterate – congratulations to Inter for winning over these two matches.”