Adriano has given a new interview revealing he had agreed a move to Chelsea before Phil Scolari was sacked because Inter wanted to “make an example” of him.
The striker went AWOL last week after international duty and on Thursday night gave a Press conference confirming he was taking a sabbatical from football.
“I am trying to feel better,” he told Il Giorno in a telephone interview. “Sometimes I manage it, sometimes I don’t.
“There is a moment in all of us when we need to be alone and reflect on what to do with our future and for me that moment has arrived. I haven’t reconsidered, if that’s what you want to know.”
L’Imperatore refused to return from Rio de Janeiro even to terminate his contract with Inter, which is expected to be worked out in the next few weeks with an additional penalty if he plays in Europe again within the next two years.
“I confirm what I said on Thursday, that [Inter President Massimo] Moratti is a marvellous man and a father figure. He spends too much and was perhaps too kind to me.
“It’s just a shame some people continually tried to turn him against me. They would say, ‘give him a lesson and make an example of him, give Adriano a mega fine’ or ‘Sell him, it’s better.’
“That’s one of the reasons why I had agreed a move abroad. In autumn I was contacted by Scolari, who wanted to take me to Chelsea. We had a deal on everything, then [Roman] Abramovich fired him and I remained in Milan.”
Instead Adri has decided to give up on football altogether, at least for the foreseeable future, so he can combat his depression.
“I did not plan to give the Press conference in Brazil. In truth I was on the way to the airport on Thursday morning with my cousin, but at the last moment I just couldn’t do it.
“In two or three days my agent will come and talk to the Nerazzurri directors. They already know everything and I am waiting for their response.
“I don’t know how long I will stay off the field and it’s very difficult to say right now. The only thing I want is to be happy, seeing as I haven’t been for a very long time.
“Maybe one day that desire to be back in the thick of it will return, but for now I’ll remain only a Playstation player.”
Adriano also reassured fans that many of the reasons given by his former friends for this turnaround are untrue.
“Let’s put aside all these stupid rumours of the past few days, including claims I use drugs. If I was involved in certain things, I never would’ve become a football player.
“A broken heart is also not the cause, it’s just some ex-girlfriends want publicity. The only women in my life are my mother and my grandmother.”
When asked by Il Giorno if he had any regrets, Adriano rattled off a list.
“There are many. Pele said I was not a phenomenon, things he said out of jealousy because I am convinced that I am talented and could’ve given more. Maybe alongside Ronaldinho. It’s a shame he went to Milan and not Inter…”
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