This Sunday will see the final ever game to be played in the historic Olímpico, home of Grêmio, and there is no better way to close the old stadium than with the Gre-Nal derby, a game Internacional striker Leandro Damião says is “a war”.
Damião, 23, who continues to interest a number of top European clubs, including Tottenham and Chelsea, is not from Porto Alegre, but having been at Inter since 2009, knows the importance of the fixture.
We know the value that the Gre-Nal has here in the South we are facing the game as a war, it should be a classic,” the striker told reporters on Wednesday.
“All the players are focused. We know it will be very difficult to play Grêmio at the moment, but we will get the result.”
The derby on Sunday carries the extra significance with being the last game at the Olímpico, where Grêmio have played since 1954, before they move to the brand new, as yet unnamed, 60,000 capacity arena in December.
As well as a victory on Sunday, Inter striker Damião will also be hoping to end a barren run of form which has seen him go six games without a goal.
“Of course I miss scoring goals, but I am relaxed about it. Things happened to me when I thought for the group. Regardless of who scores the goal, the important thing is Inter do well.
“It is in this spirit that we want to play. We are prepared for the Gre-Nal,” he added.
