Maniche Wants To Shed Troublemaker Tag Portuguese international midfielder Nuno Maniche insists that he will not rock the boat at Inter despite his r

Maniche's problems with Atletico Madrid coach Javier Aguirre were well documented in the Spanish press, to the extent that he feels that they were greatly exaggerated.

“Sometimes the image of a player is painted in an unrealistic way, but it is just a label," said the Nerazzurri's big January signing.
"You can’t spend your whole life publicly denying what is written in the newspapers.

“I have a strong, competitive character. I want to win, triumph, have new targets and play often, so this can sometimes lead people to confuse me with a troublemaker, but in reality I just have a strong personality.

"I have already told the Coach I am here not to cause trouble, but to help Inter. We both wanted this transfer so much."

The 30-year-old reiterated that it has always been his dream to play for Inter and that he is determined to help them to their first ever Champions League trophy, which he has already won with Porto.

“I have always dreamed of playing for this team. We have been close for the past two years, but it had not been possible before now. I think this is the right time and Inter need a player with my characteristics.

“Now it all depends on me and how I’ll help the squad. I will work hard so that Inter can do well in every competition.

“I did not come to Italy for a holiday, nor out of vanity, but purely to earn this opportunity. I came here with the certainty these will be six important months and will hopefully end with another Champions League trophy.

“Roberto Mancini made a great first impression on me, we chatted about tactics and how the club works. My favoured position is central midfield, but if the team needs me to play in another role then I will happily do that. Luis Figo was also decisive in my coming to Italy.”

Red tape prevented him from making his expected debut in the Coppa Italia on Thursday, but he is set to play a part when Parma visit the Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday.

Quagliarella Pleased With Inter Interest Udinese forward Fabio Quagliarella could make a move to another club by the end of the season according to t

Quagliarella has made up for a poor start to the season by scoring consistently in the recent league games for the Friulani, attracting the interest of various clubs. Most prominent is that of Inter, who are hot on the trail of the player.

However, the former Sampdoria forward admitted that he has not been contacted by anyone as of yet, and he would rather focus on his duties with Udinese for the time being rather than discuss transfer market issues, despite the flattery involved.

“Neither I nor my agent know anything about Inter,” declared Quagliarella to the journalists who asked him about his future.

“It pleases me that a big club is interested in me, but I’m fine here at Udine,” he continued. “I have a long contract and I want to improve further over here.

“Obviously, I scored 7 goals in 7 games, but I can score even more...” promised Quagliarella.

Maicon Expected To Sign New Contract Inter Milan star Maicon is set to sign a new contract with the club, according to reports in Italy.

The 26-year-old signed for the Serie A leaders from Monaco in 2006, and has since established himself into arguably the best right back in the world, along with Sevilla’s Daniel Alves.


Maicon’s current wage at Inter does not match his reputation, and his €1.5m a season earnings are comfortably the lowest in the club’s first XI.


The 26-year-old is unhappy with his salary has been calling for an improved deal for several months now.


As this has yet to be forthcoming there has been speculation that he may look to quit the club, with the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United all interested.


However it seems that Maicon’s contract dispute has now been solved, with President Massimo Moratti set to offer him a one-year extension until 2012 and a massive pay rise.


This will come as a big boost to the club, as Maicon has been an important factor in Inter’s success over the past 18 months.

Inter Want To Sign Pato - Report Inter Milan are lining up a swoop for Independiente starlet Patricio Rodiguez, also nicknamed ‘Pato’, according to r

The 17-year-old has only made a few appearances for The Red Devils, however he is regarded as a huge talent.


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is a keen admirer of the player, while La Liga-outfit Atletico Madrid are also interested in re-uniting him with former Independiente star Sergio Aguero.


Inter President Massimo Moratti is making a conscious effort to sign youngsters, and is also hoping to take advantage of Giovani dos Santos’ contract dispute with Barcelona, by luring the Mexican teenager to San Siro.


The Nerazzurri are likely to face stiff competition for Giovani, with Chelsea said to be the favourites to obtain his signature if he leaves.


Other youngsters who Inter are keen on purchasing include 24-year-old Brescia player Daniele Mannini, as well as his team-mate, Italy Under-21 defender Fabiano Santacroce.


Inter already have their hands on one of Italy’s best young talents in the form of 17-year-old striker Mario Balotelli.

Crespo Hopes To Be In Top Form For Liverpool Inter star Hernan Crespo is hoping that he will be back to his best for the Champions League monster cla

The Argentine striker was in action last night and scored in the 3-0 Coppa Italia second leg victory over Reggina at San Siro, which resulted in an emphatic 7-1 aggregate win for Inter.

"I always like scoring, but I'm pleased with the team's victory and our qualification after these two matches," Crespo said.

The 32-year-old has featured sparingly this season due to injury and the stunning form of Julio Cruz, but he hopes to be back to his best for next month’s tie with Liverpool.

"I always train hard to make it hard for the coach to choose, I wait for my turn and I try to do well when I'm called into action," he continued.

"Every player wants to play, there are a lot of good players at Inter and our group's strength is that everyone gives their best, regardless of who plays.

"I hope to be back in top form before the Liverpool game. I train hard every day to improve my condition more and more.

"The next two cup [Coppa Italia] matches against Juventus will be nice and there will certainly be more people at the stadium."

Filippo Mancini Thanks Father For Debut 17-year-old Filippo Mancini was given his Inter debut last night by his father, Roberto, much to the youngste

Speaking out after his side's 3-0 (7-1 agg.) win over Reggina in the Coppa Italia, Filippo Mancini was understandably elated.

"I'll never forget this," he beamed.

The manager's son only played the final eight minutes of the match, but nonetheless was awed by the experience.

"It was very emotional, and this is a day that I won't forget," he said.

"I'd like to thank my father. Also, I can't forget all the coahces I've had over the years, including my first at Mary Mount in Rome, Gianluca Amdrissi at Inter, and the Primavera coach Vincenzo Esposito.

"Before I came on, my father told me to play it simple and play calm."

The youngster, who is a star of Inter's youth team, went on to reveal why he wears the number 17 shirt.

"I don't want to disrespect anyone, but it's because Cristiano Ronaldo does, and he's my idol," said Filippo.

Father and manager Roberto added, "I was emotional, yes - it had an effect on me.

"But my son is a young talent just like the others. Big clubs like ours have plenty of young players, and Reginna do as well, so there were many on the pitch.

"The Coppa Italia may not get much respect, but at least the youth get a chance there."

Menez Issues Come And Get Me Plea To Inter Monaco midfielder Jeremy Menez is hoping for a move to Inter in June, as he feels ready for a big club and

Despite his young age, Menez feels mature enough to join an important club in June, even though he feels happy enough at Monaco, where he is under contract for a further two years.

"At Monaco I feel fine, but it's normal that every player aims to play in the big international competitions, and I feel ready now for any stage," declared the 20-year-old midfielder.

Menez is wanted by various major European clubs, but he seems eager to join the Nerazzurri.

"Inter never searched for me, but I admit that it would represent a seductive option," declared the French player.

The Italian league leaders have just signed Maniche from Atletico Madrid and their midfield line looks complete at the moment, especially once all the injured players return. However, in June they might take into consideration the option of signing this coveted young talent.

Cambiasso: I’m Still Looking To Improve Inter midfielder Esteban Cambiasso may have been in sensational form this season, however he insists that he

The Argentine has been decisive for two games in succession now, scoring the winner against Milan in the derby before Christmas, while also hitting a vital goal in yesterday’s win at Siena.

"I'm pleased with my performance. I always try to do my best for the team. I obviously like scoring too, but it's all to help my team-mates,” Cambiasso said.

"Can I improve even more? A player is finished when he thinks he can't improve any more. Every morning when I wake up I think about going to training to learn something new."

Inter’s 3-2 victory at the Stadio Franchi has consolidated their seven point win at the top of the table and extended their winning streak to seven Serie A matches.

"We're pleased we won this match because these games are always hard after the break and the hard training sessions during the winter training camp, especially when you face a team that plays well like Siena did today," explained Cambiasso.

Stankovic Delighted To Be Back Inter star Dejan Stankovic was delighted to make his comeback from injury during yesterday’s 3-2 win at Siena.

The Serbian midfielder has not played competitively since November when he picked up a heel injury.

There were fears that the 29-year-old would require surgery to correct the problem but he made a successful return in Tuscany, playing the entire second-half after replacing Maicon at half-time.

"I'm pleased with the victory and happy to have played in such a hard match," Stankovic said.

"These were 45 minutes played with great pressure and the result hanging in the balance.

"I ran a lot and felt good. You can't imagine how much I have missed all this.

"Now I will do my best to help the team continue on this path."

Stankovic has been just one of a host of midfielders to have been ruled through injury recently.


Olivier Dacourt is out for the rest of the season, Patrick Vieira has barely played since August, while Luis Figo is recovering from a broken leg.


This has forced Coach Roberto Mancini to go into the market and Atletico Madrid schemer Maniche is set to undergo a medical today before signing for the club.

 

Ibra – I Scored A Wonderful Goal Zlatan Ibrahimovic was pleased with Inter’s 3-2 win against Siena yesterday and admitted that he scored a “wonderful

The Swedish superstar scored twice at the Stadio Franchi, with his second being an absolutely unstoppable drive from 30 yards that rocketed into the top corner.

"Yes, I scored a wonderful goal," he said. "I'm working very hard in training and you can see the results in matches, thanks also to my team-mates.

"Physically I'm feeling very good and I have great faith in my potential."

Inter’s win was their seventh in succession in Serie A, and their first of 2008 following the winter break.

"We were expecting it to be a hard game and it was. They are always difficult after the Christmas break," he pointed out.

"We have earned three very important points, three points that give the squad even more confidence. We're in excellent form. Now we have to stay focused and continue like this."

With the Nerazzurri seven points clear at the top of the table, many believe that the Scudetto race is already over, however Ibra has rubbished these claims.


"There's not just Roma. There's also Juventus and Fiorentina, and you'll see that Milan will be back in the race," the 26-year-old concluded.

Inter To Enter Race For Sissoko? Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini dropped a large hint that he may make a move for Liverpool’s want-away midfielder M

Prior to Mancini’s revelation, Inter’s rivals Juventus seemed favourites to capture the Mali international.

, Juve’s president has tightened the purse strings and told manage Claudio Ranieri that no new players will arrive in January.

"Juventus will not make any acquisitions in the January transfer market," said Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.

"It's normal to dream of big players but in order for dreams to come true, we need to wait for the right moment to come along."

But now Inter may be ready to steal a march on Juventus and sign Sissoko as Mancini seems to be a fan of the midfield enforcer.

"Sissoko? I think despite his young age he has big qualities and I think he could be an important player for whoever will be able to sign him," said Mancini to Sky Italia.

Whether it is Inter, Juventus or any other club, what seems to be beyond change is the departure of Sissoko from Liverpool, for Reds boss Rafael Benitez recently informed the press that he is in constant discussion with his unhappy player about a transfer.

"I was talking with 'Momo' about leaving a few times, and with his agent.

"We know we have two or three clubs asking about him and we will try to find the best solution for him and for us”, said the Spaniard.