In a long interview with the Algerian newspaper Le Buteur, Diego Milito talked about Inter’s treble and what is missing for Inter to return to that level.
Despite a career full of victories, you had to wait until the age of 30 before you got to win your first title, with Inter…
“You always have to have patience, both in life and in football. It is true that I had to wait 30 years to win my first Coppa Italia. In the meantime, I have enriched my career in Argentina with Racing Avellaneda by winning the title after 35 years. I never ask myself why I had to wait so long, my only goal was to work hard in training and get better. Obviously I had to wait a long time to reach my goals, but the important thing is that they became real. It may be a lesson for future generations.”
Are you disappointed not to have won the Ballon d’Or at the end of the 2009/10 season, during which you played 52 matches and won the treble?
“Honestly, no. Without being modest, I can say that I deserved to be among the nominees, but I’m not disappointed to not have won. The important thing for me are the titles the team wins, not individual awards: I would never trade the treble for the Ballon d’Or.”
What was the secret of that perfect season?
“It wasn’t just one, there were many. There are many factors that determine whether a season will be perfect, first of all the total commitment from all players, followed by a great coaching staff led by Mourinho, as well as several other factors that decided the season.”
…Including the attacking duo with Eto’o…
“Not only that. We had some great individuals on the team. That was another factor in our success.”
What is needed for Inter to repeat such a season?
“Time. We need time because we are in a period of reconstruction, with many new players and a new coach, not to mention the change of ownership. Clearly we, with all these changes, need time to start over and do things in the right order. We must aim high again to honor the shirt and Inter’s history and I’m convinced that we will return to those levels.”
Who was your childhood idol?
” Besides Maradona, my absolute idol was Enzo Francescoli: an extraordinary player.”
He also resembles you physically.
“Yes, many people have told me that. He is a point of reference, not only on the pitch but also outside.”
Source: fcinternews.it
