Ex-Inter Milan midfielder Borja Valero believes his former club has something more than their competitors in the Scudetto race.

The Spaniard is a Real Madrid youth product who then enjoyed successful spells at Villareal and Fiorentina.

Between 2017 and 2020, he plied his trade at Inter, first under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti and then Antonio Conte.

The 38-year-old dwells on his experience with the Nerazzurri while offering some insight into his rapport with the two famous Italian tacticians.

“I had fun at Inter. It was difficult for me to see myself in another Italian team, I thought I would remain at Fiorentina,” admitted the midfielder in his interview with Radio Serie A via FcInterNews.

“But due to small problems with the sporting management, I ended up leaving. Then I had the opportunity to join Inter and I enjoyed it to the fullest.

“We achieved all the objectives they set, bringing Inter back to the Champions League, and little by little, the club became important again.

“I have a very special relationship with Spalletti, I had already met him in Florence and he wanted me at Inter at all costs. I can only be thankful for Luciano. For me, it was an honor to play for him.

“My experience with Conte was really positive. He has that 360-degree winning mentality.

“At the beginning of the season, he told me that I wasn’t part of his plans and then I ended up playing almost all of the last 10 league games when he chose me over Eriksen.

“Conte is a special coach. He doesn’t give anything for granted to anyone. So this encourages everyone to give their best in training.”

Former Inter Milan Midfielder Borja Valero Hails Lautaro Martinez As One Of The Best Strikers In Europe

The Spaniard praises Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, placing him amongst the finest strikers in European football.

“I had expected Lautaro to develop over the years. In training, you could see that he had a fire inside him.

“In his first year at Inter, he had Icardi ahead of him. But he had the patience to wait for his moment.

“He has become one of the best strikers, not only in Serie A but in Europe. He knows how to score from all positions.

“And then, he is on the bench and comes on in the second half, he has the desire to make the difference, as we saw in Salerno.”

The former Villarreal star believes the Nerazzurri are the most equipped to win the league. However, he expects AC Milan to compete until the end.

“On paper, Inter have something extra. They were very good on the transfer market, they have two top-level choices in all roles.

“Obviously the season is very long, but I believe it will be a fight to the end with Milan and perhaps with Napoli, if they manage to return to last year’s levels. But it won’t be easy.”

Former Inter striker RomeluRomelu Lukaku ended up at AS Roma following a summer soap opera. Nevertheless, Valero insists that the Belgian’s choice should be respected.

“I had no doubts that he would score in bursts. Inside the box, he always makes the difference. We don’t know for sure how things went this summer.

“It’s obvious that Inter were a bit upset, also because they let Dzeko go. They were sure they had Lukaku in the bag. But the players’ choices must always be respected.”