Tuesday 29 April, 2008

Massimo Moratti insists he wants Roberto Mancini to remain at Inter, but Luis Figo suggests Jose Mourinho would be better.

“As far as the club and myself are concerned, Mancini is confirmed,” said the President.

“Of course, it also depends on his views and decisions. I don’t know of any other offers, but in my view he is confirmed.”

Mancio had announced he would leave at the end of this season straight after the Champions League exit to Liverpool.

He then took back the statement less than 24 hours later and pledged to remain until his contract expires in 2012, but question marks remain.

“Mancini is a winner. I get along well with him and all the rumours circulating about the position are because people always try to find something to cause trouble at Inter.”

The tactician took over the Nerazzurri in the summer of 2004 and has become the longest-serving Coach under Moratti’s reign.

“I know I have changed a lot of managers in my time, so people always assume I have other ideas, but this is not the case.”

Some newspapers have linked Inter with former Chelsea and Porto boss Mourinho – a theory backed today by fellow countryman Figo.

“I want to play another year in Italy, but not under these conditions,” snapped Figo on Portuguese television Sport TV.

“I don’t intend to end my career this way. I deserve to finish it by playing on the field, not on the bench as I have been in recent months.

“This is why I have decided to review my plans with the intention of playing another year in Italy, but not with these terms.

“Within two or three weeks I will make a definitive decision. The season ends in May and after that I will have all the certainty on my career.”

Figo did very little to quash the rumours Mourinho is ready to take over from Mancini.

“I would like to be trained by Mourinho, because I like his vision of football and it would be a good way to end my career,” continued the winger.

“Now tell me where Mourinho is going so I can go there too.”