Adriano has publicly credited Jose Mourinho with “saving my career” and admits he once turned up to training while drunk.
The Brazilian was set to quit Serie A in the wake of personal problems and poor performances, including times when Mourinho had frozen him out of the squad.
“We never had an argument. We spoke a great deal and I admitted to my mistakes,” l’Imperatore told Brazilian newspaper Correio de Manha.
“He understood and saved my career. We have an excellent rapport because he is a great Coach and treats everyone equally. He truly is ‘The Special One.’”
Adriano denies he went off the rails again recently by turning up to training after partying hard all night – but concedes he has done it before.
“There has been too much talk about me and only half of what is written turns out to be true. I am 26 years old and like all young men I like to have fun.
“It’s not true that I turned up to training drunk. I am not an alcoholic. In the past it happened, but that is behind me now.”
If that was last year, then it explains why Roberto Mancini repeatedly froze Adriano out of the squad and prompted a bitter split with the tactician.
“Would I have remained at Inter with Mancini? I didn’t get to make that decision, as he left first. Mancini is a great Coach, but Mourinho is more complete.”
A January transfer was on the cards, but offers from Tottenham and Newcastle United were reportedly rejected.
“I will stay at Inter, as this is the best situation for me. I play for a team I adore and want to help them by scoring many goals.
“I love the 4-4-2 system the Coach is using now, as playing with Zlatan Ibrahimovic is easy. He is a phenomenon, the best player I’ve seen in my career.”
Adriano cannot play against Torino this afternoon because he sits out the second in a three-match ban.
The Brazilian was caught on camera punching Daniele Gastaldello in the stomach during the 1-0 win over Sampdoria.
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