APPIANO GENTILE - Diego Milito will go back to Argentina in the next few days: the Nerazzurri hitman will continue his recovery programme - which he began three months ago at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti - in his homeland, as he prepares to make his comeback to the Inter first team next season.
'El Principe' spoke to Sky Sport 24's Matteo Barzaghi in an exclusive interview, beginning with his account of the injury he sustained in the 7th minute of Inter v Cluj, and the long road back that began hours later.
HEALTH - "I feel quite good, it was a long injury. I've been out for nearly three months. Now we'll see if I can come back in July to be with the squad at our summer training camp in Pinzolo. What do I remember from that night on 14 February? It's hard to explain, it was a sad day, the first serious injury I've suffered but the affection so many people have shown me meant I immediately focused on preparing to come back. Both here at Inter and from other players, I've received a lot of kind words and respect."
INTER - On the fact that he's not been able to help his team in the second half of the season: "I'm really struggling with not being able to help my team-mates, I'm gutted about it. I believe they'll give everything until the end to make Europe and I'm sure they'll do it."
ZANETTI INJURY - "Pupi will be back as soon as he can because he's unlike any other player, his character will help him a lot and I'm sure he'll be back before other players. How do I explain the series of injuries? It's hard to explain because they're all different, it's not a case of everyone struggling with a calf problem for example. It's just not our year. I think our season has been summed up by Zanetti's injury, he's someone who'd never had a serious one."
BAYERN MUNICH - The man who won a Champions League final for Inter by scoring two goals against Bayern Munich gave his thoughts on the Germans as they prepare for another final: "They're a great team with a very good set-up. We were on fire at that time and deserved to win. What image sticks in my mind from our winning cycle? It's hard because we had so many good times, Madrid of course, but also the Scudetto at Siena was a big moment because we'd kept fighting until the end."
TREBLE HEROES - What has he made of looking at Inter's starting line-up and no longer seeing the key men: "They're players who made history at this club and it hurts to not see them there. But we need to look forward, the past won't be forgotten."
JOSÉ MOURINHO - It looks like the Portuguese coach is off to Chelsea but could he ever return to Milan? "Let's hope so, I'd love him to, he made history at the club. He's a great coach and he's fondly remembered here and I hope he can one day come back."
FUTURE - He not only discussed Mourinho's future, but his too. Where will Diego Milito be next year? "I don't know, at the moment I've only got one thing in mind. I want to get back playing, then you never know what's going to happen. I try to keep going day after day, then next year we'll see what happens. Is there a chance I might leave Inter? No, at the moment that's impossible. There's no chance of that before 2014, I'll be here this year unless the club gets rid of me."
MAURO ICARDI - "He's a great striker, obviously he's young and so we mustn't put too much pressure on him. If he does join, he'll find a squad that will help him to develop and I hope he can be my successor."
INTER IN THE FUTURE - "It's still too early to say, first we need to wait and see how the league season finishes. A number of things will have to be assessed and that's up to president Moratti's staff."
ANDREA STRAMACCIONI - "Is he the right man to get us back winning? I hope so, we've always been very close to him, he's obviously come into a tough situation this year, if he's still Inter coach next season we'll have a great campaign."
PRESIDENT MORATTI - "We met last Saturday at Appiano Gentile, he's a bit surprised by the recent spate of injuries but he's keeping the faith, he always calms me."
ANTONIO CASSANO - "I've got a great relationship with him, he's a lovely bloke. Will he still be here this summer at the training camp? I hope so, but then it comes down to him and the club."
LEONARDO - "Would I have him back? Of course because he's a great man, aside from being a great director. He's always conducted himself impeccably, but again these decisions are for the club to make."
IDEAL FRONT THREE - "I'd say Milito, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo but, as I've said, it's down to the club!"
MESSAGE FOR THE FANS - "Above all I'd like to thank them: thanks to all the fans and my team-mates for supporting me. I can never repay all the affection they've shown me. I'll try to get back fit as soon as possible, return to action and bring them all the success they deserve."
