NANJING – While on tour in China as a club ambassador, Diego Milito found time to sit down for a long interview with CCTV.
The Nerazzurri treble hero discussed his impressions and memories of China, his special relationship with the club and his thoughts on what the future holds for Inter, Suning and himself.
It was in fact on Chinese soil that Milito made his first competitive appearance for Inter, in the 2009 Italian Super Cup in Beijing, and he explained that while the nature of this year's trip is inevitably different, some things - such as the fans' passion - never change.
“It's amazing to come back to China years later and see that the fans are just as passionate and supportive now as they were back then.
“At the time I was focused entirely on training and matches. Now I can enjoy the city and the fans more, and spend more time with them.”
It was the start of what would be a truly remarkable season for Inter and Milito himself, as he scored a number of crucial goals on the way to winning the treble under Jose Mourinho.
"I had the chance to play in lots of special games and I experienced some magical moments. The one that really sticks out, though, is the final in Madrid in 2010 – it was an unforgettable match and one I'll always remember very fondly. I was very fortunate to score two goals in the final but that match and that success belonged to the whole team.
“It was the icing on the cake of a truly unique season. No one else in Italy has ever done the treble and it was down to every last one of us.
“I've always had an excellent relationship with Mourinho. Everyone who's met him knows he's special."
The former Argentina striker, who after leaving Inter in 2014 saw out his career at Racing Club before hanging up his boots last summer, also revealed how important the number 22 is for him.
“The 22nd is a very special date for me: in 2010 I won the Champions League and in 2016 I played my last game on that day. On the 21st – but it was already the 22nd in China – my daughter was born. It's definitely a special number for me.”
Having been able to observe Luciano Spalletti and the squad at work during the tour, Milito offered his views on the team and owners Suning.
“Spalletti has the right character and experience and I'm sure he'll do a great job with these lads. It's a crucial season for us and I hope we'll manage to achieve the goals we've set ourselves right from the start of the campaign. Inter must get back to the level they've always been.
“I think Suning have a lot to offer football. They have enormous potential and they're doing things the right way. They know what Inter are about and I hope they'll bring the success everyone expects.
“I haven't visited their headquarters yet but the lads who saw it were all very impressed by the offices, the technology and just what a huge brand Suning is in China and further afield.”
Finally, he touched on his own plans for the future.
“I'll finish my coaching badges in Argentina at the end of the year and, who knows, I might end up coaching in China one day. Football is growing at a tremendous rate here, attracting players and coaches from all over the world.
“At the moment I'm involved with Inter Forever and I'm very proud to maintain my ties with such a big club. I'll always be available to Inter in an ambassadorial role as I have been during this tour in China.”
