Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi gave his views on a few topics, namely his relationship with Mario Balotelli, Zlatan Ibrahimovic as-well as his thoughts on Sunday night’s Milan derby.
In an interview with La Repubblica, Materazzi spoke of his close friendship with former team-mate Mario Balotelli despite his move to fierce rivals AC Milan.
“We send each other hundreds of text messages per day, so yes, we’re still good friends. I want to say I am really proud of him. Of course I won’t stop our friendship just because he went to Milan.”
The World Cup winner, then explained his admiration for Balotelli’s footballing ability.
“I’ve never seen such a talented player at 17, when he made his debut with us. He is ruthless in front of goal and we won the 2008 Scudetto thanks to him. I will always thank him, as an Interista, because he took us to trophies.”
“Do I need to give him advice on how to behave? Look, Mario never hurt anyone, he’s a really good person. He simply likes enjoying himself and is still a big kid.
“The other night at San Siro I saw him dancing in the stands with Robinho. That is Mario, he lives life like someone who grew up in the streets and I love him for it. He has fun in a healthy way, not like those who act up, get drunk or ruin themselves physically.”
Although Balotelli won the treble with Inter in 2010, alongside Materazzi, the striker will line-up in Sunday night’s derby in the red and black of neighbours Milan.
Materazzi feels that Balotelli’s inclusion in the Rossoneri squad could be enough to make Milan the favourites for the match.
“Milan are the favourites for the Derby with Mario and that is fine for us Interisti.”
When questioned about Jose Mourinho’s rumoured switch to PSG, Materazzi used it as an opportunity to antagonize former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“If that happens, I don’t know what will become of Ibrahimovic. They did not leave each other on good terms.”
“Ibra dumped us during a pre-season training camp in Los Angeles to join Barcelona. He told Cristian Chivu: ‘You won’t even win the Scudetto without me.’ Mourinho confronted him and said: ‘I want you to know that we’ll win everything without you.’ That was exactly what happened.”
“In fact, I now have a concern that Milan will win the Champions League. It already happened at Barcelona and Inter, as when Ibra leaves, that team then lifts the trophy…”.
