MILAN - Ivan Cordoba was interviewed by Gianfelice Facchetti in the latest edition of Sportweek. Ivan spoke at the clubs offices and posed for photos in the trophy room. Unbelievably, given he won almost everything as a player, he was overwhelmed as he looked around at the silverware. "It's like a cathedral," Ivan said quietly. The Colombian is a devout catholic but so close to the Nerazzurri that he considers his current role not only to be the organisation of the team's commitments, but also, as he explains to Facchetti, a sort of ambassador for the club's identity. Ivan understands exactly what Inter is all about, its history, and he wants to spread that message.
Private, shy, someone who protects the team, he's a man we've become used to seeing defending our colours for a long while. He still does that now, even after he finished his career with what he claims to have been "the best way to end my playing career." On 6 May 2012, Inter beat AC Milan 4-2. Then the U-turn, the idea of being able to spend more time with his family, wife Maria and their three kids, before he was back again at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti.
He talks about his many memories in the interview. Facchetti asks him the right questions, Giacinto's son knows how to ask them, and he knows what it's like to live with a champion. Unsurprisingly the Balotelli issue came up ahead of this weekend's derby. "You're entitled to boo in football, but people should never get personal."
He, along with wife Maria, has been able to make a difference, with lots of children in Colombia now enjoying lunch and a snack every day. 150 children to be precise. That's why it's almost like Ivan and Maria Cordoba prepare lunch for 150 children every day, along with the three of their own. Ivan says, "we will do it forever."
Sportweek is out tomorrow with the Gazzetta dello Sport.
