MILAN – There was a reunion of Inter legends this evening at San Siro to pay tribute to a coach that has never been forgotten by the fans or the players themselves.
The occasion was Luigi Simoni's book launch of his autobiography Simoni si nasce: tre vite per il calcio ("Born Simoni: three lives in football").
The book traces Simoni's 15 years as a player and then the 30 years afterwards he spent either as a manager or a club director.
Massimo Moratti, Javier Zanetti and Gianfelice Facchetti were all in attendance for the presentation, along with numerous other Inter legends from history: Giuseppe Bergomi, Nicola Berti, Sebastien Frey, Francesco Toldo, Andrea Pirlo, Mauro Milanese, Luis Suarez, Mario Corso, Giuseppe Baresi, Daniele Bernazzani, Benoit Cauet, Maurizio Ganz, Francesco Colonnese and Leonardo Occhipinti.
Moratti was the first to speak at the event. "It gives me great pleasure to see the affection from so many legends, friends and fellow professionals towards Simoni," the former president announced. "Every moment in football is unforgettable. The year and a half with Simoni was a unique period; there was a positive, winning atmosphere.
"Ronaldo was the best in the world but he had just joined a different club and it wasn't easy. Simoni created an atmosphere where people liked being together. He worked with lots of respect and he was appreciative and careful. There has always been great respect and a deep friendship."
On 6 May 1998 Simoni's Inter defeated Lazio 3-0 and won the UEFA Cup in Paris.
"We were a great group and you can see that from the fact that whoever could make it is here today,” Simoni said. “We had a wonderful time together. I played and coached in many teams but I never had the fortune of having talented, intelligent and kind players like Berti for example!
"The idea behind the book came from the desire to leave a record of all my memories of a long career. My life has been dedicated to football. I wanted to remember my work with so many extraordinary footballers and human beings."
