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| | Mancini hails 'scary' Inter |
Tuesday 15 July, 2008 |
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Amantino Mancini thinks Inter are “scarily strong” and quickly moved to smooth the controversy with his old club Roma.
“I just met Jose Mourinho, he seems a relaxed and likeable person. We are both here to achieve something important, aiming for Serie A and the Champions League,” said the Brazilian in his presentation Press conference after penning a four-year contract.
“I can say that even without other new signings, this team is already scarily strong. They won two Scudetti on the field in as many years, so they have quality.”
This statement sits somewhat awkwardly with what was said by Mancini's former Roma teammates, who had blamed refereeing 'help' for the last title.
“I am a Nerazzurri player now, what happened last year is in the past. I thank Roma for everything they did for me, as I spent five wonderful years there.”
The Brazilian contingent used to be in the minority at the club, but Mancini's arrival increases their power with Douglas Maicon, Maxwell, Julio Cesar and Adriano.
“It will be easier to settle in thanks to them, but I have been playing in Italy for a very long time now. If you work in a certain way, things come automatically, especially if you have help from the players that Inter can boast.”
Amantino managed 40 Serie A goals in 154 appearances and also impressed in the Champions League, most memorably with his step-over strike against Lyon.
However, uncertainty over his future, contract wrangling and the persistent rumours linking him with Inter made for a very fraught relationship with the Giallorossi supporters.
“I am only sorry that in the latter part of last season I was suffering from an injury to the top of my foot that I sustained against Real Madrid.
“I was out for three weeks and had to start all over again, but I still managed to net 13 goals. I was happy at Roma, though, and can only thank the club, fans and players.”
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