Inter legend Beppe Bergomi on former Nerazzurri star Diego Simeone: “In just two years he won over the Inter fans because he was a player of character”

Ahead of the Nerrazzuri’s vital clash in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Atletico Madrid this evening at the Stadio San Siro, Sky Sport pundit and Inter legend Beppe Bergomi provided his insight on Diego Simeone’s two-year stint with the Biscione throughout his playing career.

Heading into the match-up, coach Simone Inzaghi’s side have been in ground-breaking form, having attained 15 points out of 15 available in their last five outings in the Serie A, as well as finding themselves nine points clear of second-placed Juventus with a game in-hand.

However, Inter face a huge obstacle in their way as Spanish outfits Atletico Madrid are coming off a 5-0 victory over Las Palmas this past weekend heading into the European fixture on Milanese soil.

While speaking in an interview with news outlet El Pais, via FcInter1908, Bergomi touched upon Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone’s time at Inter throughout his playing career, where the Argentine played a vital in helping the Beneamata lift the UEFA Cup throughout the 1997-98 term.

“In just two years he won over the Inter fans because he was a player of character, a warrior, with a lot of heart and very passionate, Bergomi commenced.”

“At the beginning they booed him because he didn’t play well, Italian football was different from Spanish football, but he was intelligent and in the end he fit in. He was a spectacular midfielder in the work he did for the team and also in the goals he scored.

“He was a leader in the locker room and on the field. He had the competitiveness of the Argentines, the passion and always talked about football and tactics.

“I don’t know if I can call it an obsession, but I loved football very much. The players from the 97-98 season have a WhatsApp group and Cholo always responds, even if he has a Champions League match. Diego has also evolved as a coach, it’s no longer just defense and counterattacking. Future on the Nerazzurri bench? Inter is now in good hands.”

Julian Faustini Ι GIFN