Leonardo explains why he left Milan and then signed with arch-rivals Internazionale

Former Brazil international Leonardo has explained why he left Milan and signed for city rivals Internazionale. The 44 year-old spent five years with the Rossoneri as a player, before being appointed to manage them for the 2009-10 season. Leonardo lead Milan to 2nd in the Serie A standings, but departed at the end of the […]
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sambafoot_admin
2014-04-23 02:18:00

Former Brazil international Leonardo has explained why he left Milan and signed for city rivals Internazionale.

The 44 year-old spent five years with the Rossoneri as a player, before being appointed to manage them for the 2009-10 season.

Leonardo lead Milan to 2nd in the Serie A standings, but departed at the end of the campaign after disagreements with owner Silvio Berlusconi and would eventually going on to be a surprise replacement for Rafael Benítez at Inter. 

"I left Milan because of personal problems and misunderstandings, seeing as I started to feel left to one side by the club," he told UOL Esporte.

"I was free at that point to accept any proposal and I had an excellent rapport with [then Internazionale owner] Massimo Moratti. I accepted the challenge of coaching Inter, which for me was a grand experience.

"Anyone who decides to join your team’s arch-rivals has to pay a price, which is perfectly normal criticism.

"My respect for Milan never mutated and neither has my affection for Inter."

Leonardo left Inter in June 2011 to take up a directors role at Paris Saint-Germain. He departed the Ligue 1 side in July 2013 and has been out of work since.