Massimo Moratti denies mocking AC Milan
Inter Milan President Massimo Moratti has spoken out about the appointment of Leonardo as the new manager of the club.
There were rumours that the only reason Moratti had chosen Leonardo to succeed Benitez was because the former had been in charge of AC Milan last season. It was believed Moratti would use Leonardo’s success with Inter to mock their bitter rivals. However,
the Inter president has denied these claims, saying that it was the Brazilian’s superior skills as a tactician that earned him the job.
Speaking on Leonardo’s appointment as the new manager of Inter Milan, Moratti told the press, “When it became necessary to replace Benitez, he was free from contracts and it allowed him to join us without the need for further negotiations. Leonardo is a
very intelligent man, something I noticed back from our first meetings during his playing career. Last season he showed at Milan that he is also a great coach who can do excellent work. I did not choose Leonardo to irritate Milan. I chose him because he has
talent and can achieve great things with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567.”
Leonardo will replace Rafael Benitez as Inter Milan boss. Benitez was relieved of the post following his outburst against the club president. Benitez had issued an ultimatum to Moratti, telling the owner to either back him or sack him. Moratti chose the
latter option, dismissing Benitez from his position just 6 months after he first took over.
Leonardo has quite a history with AC Milan, having spent four seasons at the club during his playing days. He also ended his playing career with the Italian giants.
Leonardo became the head coach of AC Milan in May 2009, replacing Carlo Ancelotti. After just one season at the club, Leonardo left his post, citing a difficult relationship with the club owner. His appointment as the manager of Inter is sure to rile AC
Milan fans, something that Moratti says he has not considered. Leonardo’s first test will be against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Napoli-c40003 on 6 January.
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