APPIANO GENTILE – This week’s guest on Inter Channel programme InterNos is none other than Brazilian defender Joao Miranda. It airs at 21:00 CET tonight on the official Nerazzurri television channel, but in the meantime we bring you a few titbits from the interview.
First up Miranda was asked about this season’s objective for the team, third spot. The Brazilian believes it’s an achievable aim: "Yes, we’re still in the hunt. It’s tough but we can do it. Yesterday we showed we can compete. We’re not afraid of anyone – we need to play with pride and courage and be clinical, just like we were yesterday.
"We have to go for it – there’s not long left and I believe we can do it. If we can play like that against Juventus then we can do it against anyone. All of us need to be on top form."
The Brazilian then spoke about his arrival at Inter: "I love it here in Italy. All the fans – not just the Nerazzurri supporters – are really kind and say nice things about me. I’ve been treated with lots of respect and warmth at Inter from the very first moment. I try to give 100% in every game. I’m closest to the other Brazilians in the squad, but I have to say I have a great relationship with everyone."
Miranda also discussed his working relationship with Roberto Mancini: "He’s helped me a lot as a player because he’s a coach with great character. He likes his sides to play good football and we always try to play as best we can to win. I’ll always give my all and keep trying to do more for him to repay his confidence in me."
Miranda has formed an impressive defensive pairing with Jeison Murillo this season, and the Brazilian was quick to praise the Colombian: "He’s a great young player and works his socks off. I think he’s going to be the best centre-back in Europe in two or three years’ time. He works very hard and is always looking to improve – he has the quality to be the best in the world."
The Inter defender also looked back at some of his childhood interests: "When I was little I loved Formula One – I was a big Ayrton Senna fan. In terms of football I used to support Sao Paulo. My idols? Football-wise I’d have to say Ronaldo. When he visited Milan we had dinner together."
Miranda already has good memories of his new home, San Siro: "It’s got that special something. It’s a wonderful, historic stadium. It was amazing to know I was going to be playing here."
Last but not least, Miranda was asked about Sunday night’s visit of Palermo: "I hope we play like we did yesterday – with the same edge and organisation. If we play like that we can definitely win."
