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Adriano On Icardi: ‘He And I Would Be A Wonderful Pairing On The Pitch’

Adriano On Icardi: ‘He And I Would Be A Wonderful Pairing On The Pitch’

Adriano has spoken about his deadly left foot, his time at Inter Milan and the idea of playing alongside current club captain Mauro Icardi.

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz

Adriano has revealed that he would love to have played alongside Mauro Icardi.

The 36-year-old former Inter Milan striker has been impressed with I Nerazzurri's 25-year-old captain.

"Icardi is a great player and still very young," he told DAZN (via Football Italia). "He and I would be a wonderful pairing on the pitch."

Adriano played for Inter Milan from 2001 to 2002 and later in 2004 to 2009, having made 123 appearances and scoring 48 times.

Despite a hit-and-miss career, the former Brazil international was known for his deadly left foot and shooting power.

"I was born that way, it was like that from an early age," he explained.

PA

"My friends told me to kick it more softly, but it was pure instinct. I could never hit it softly, always and only hard."

The last club that Adriano signed for was Miami United in 2016. While he hasn't officially retired from club competition, he hasn't overlooked how important his time was at the San Siro.

"I know how good I was, and I know I did important things," he recalled.

"I couldn't believe it when I first came to Italy, with Inter. I remember just looking at everyone in the dressing room, from [Clarence] Seedorf to [Marco] Materazzi.

PA

"I also remember that Ronaldo welcomed me really well, even into his home. I lived in a hotel and he asked if I wanted to move in with him. It was beautiful.

"In sporting terms, I experienced and incredible dressing room, and in terms of life [Javier] Zanetti was an example.

"He was always beside me, especially when my father died, and president [Massimo] Moratti also helped me a lot, he was like a second father.

"I'll be grateful to him forever for everything he did for me and my family in those years, every time I talk about him I get emotional.

PA

"Now I'm happy with my friends and family in Rio, we live a very normal life. I didn't retire, I just decided to take a pause.

"If there's a chance to go back to playing, I'll be there, but only in Brazil. I can't be away from my three children."

Icardi, who has had a troubling relationship with fellow footballer Maxi López, has the same scoring ratio as former Inter Milan striker Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima.

Is Icardi one of the best strikers in the world?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Mauro Icardi, Serie A, Adriano, San Siro, Inter Milan