Fuente : Inter de Milan
http://www.inter.it

INTER : FIGO: "BORN TO PLAY FOR INTER"

/noticias.info/ APPIANO GENTILE - "We're pleased to have at Inter a player who has written the most important pages of European and world football in recent years - Luis Figo ." With these words president Giacinto Facchetti opened Saturday's Figo presentation news conference at Angelo Moratti Sports Centre, broadcast live by Inter Channel and Sky TG24.

Images of Figo with his new shirt are already being beamed round the world, and in an hour-long news conference the Portuguese star impressed all those present with his class and sincerity. One sentence has already made Nerazzurri history: "I feel I was born to play for Inter."

"I thank Dr Moratti, president Facchetti and the whole club. They have given me this splendid opportunity to come and play for Inter," said Figo . "I really want to do well and contribute to Inter's future successes. My goal is to work hard to settle into Italian football and this squad as soon as possible. I have enjoyed many important triumphs from football in the past, but this is a new stage of my life. I remember the past with great pleasure, but now I just want to think about my present and future, which at the moment is called Inter."

How important was the meeting with Massimo Moratti in Forte dei Marmi at the beginning of the week for your transfer to Inter?
"It was the last stage that moved me closer to Italy, and therefore to Inter. I was fascinated by the club's project and the size and prestige of the club. This influenced my decision. I also felt the affection and respect of Dr Moratti and this was fundamental for my coming to Inter."

When you left Real Madrid's Austrian training camp were there any moments of emotion or tension with your ex-club?
"I was hoping to leave in a different manner. I wanted but didn't have the chance to say goodbye to my ex-fans who have followed me with great affection for five years. Let's say that I joined the club in one manner and left it in another. However, I'm calm and have a clear conscience. I always gave my best and I think for this reason I will always be loved by the Real fans. I wish my ex-team all the best; it's a club that has given a lot to me and I'm aware of this."

Is there anything that worries or frightens you about Italian football?
"In international competitions you always play against the best, so I already know the reality of Italian football. But I have already spoken to Mancini and he told me that Italian football is a bit different from the Spanish game. Here tactical and athletic preparation is done in great detail, even at teams that aren't at the top. But this desire to work and adapt myself to your type of football as quickly as possible is part of my mentality."

As a Real player you lost your last two matches with Juventus. And with Inter you could play against the Bianconeri in the upcoming Italian Super Cup. Will this clash have a special feel to it?
"Yes, because it could be my first competitive match for Inter. I had two bad experiences against Juventus when I played in Madrid. Let's hope the third is different and better."
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