MILAN – More than 500 people turned up at the Solo Inter store in Via Berchet 1, Milan, to meet Ivan Cordoba. And Ivan repaid their enthusiasm by patiently posing for photos and signing autographs. He also said a "Huge thank you" to the Nerazzurri fans via the journalists inside the official club store.
"A huge thank you not only for all the attention they are showing me today," the defender said, "but especially for everything they have given me over the years at Inter. Love and lots of support, and that's why I've always felt part of a family: it's always helped me along. These years have been like a wonderful dream, I really am grateful. Twelve and a half unforgettable years."
And a whole lot of emotions: "Right the way up to my last game, which was incredible. It helped me accept my choice more serenely. A choice I made with my family, partly so I could spend more time with them. I'm very attached to this team and I always will be, because it's the only team I've played for since coming to Europe. Which are my fondest memories? It has to be the Champions League... 2010 was an unforgettable year. Looking back the only disappointment was losing the European Super Cup. But another of my best memories is the first Coppa Italia – that's what started off our trophy-winning streak."
That streak that has come to a halt for the time being but Cordoba is sure the team will soon get back to winning ways because, "We're working towards a big future for this team. The president and the executives know what to do."That is what the Nerazzurri are interested in, Cordoba explained, not things like Juventus' 'third star': "That's their business, it's up to them to do what they want. We're not interested."
There was inevitably a question about his future: what will Ivan do now? He smiled and replied quite frankly, "I'm going to be a dad and a husband." And then what? "And then we'll see. I'm willing to do whatever the club thinks is right for me. I feel part of the Inter family, this is my home, and it will always remain in my heart regardless of what happens."
Finally, there were specific questions about two players: one who is rumoured to be in Inter's sights and the other who is already a Nerazzurri player. "Lavezzi is an extraordinary footballer and he'd fit in well here at Inter..." Ivan smiled. "As for Guarin, I'm sure he will have an amazing season next year. In these few games alone he's already shown what quality he has. And if he starts the season with everyone else he can play a key role."Another person with a key role to play is Andrea Stramaccioni, for whom Cordoba had nothing but praise: "He's great, an excellent coach. He immediately realised what needed to be done."
