Post by Taxigirl on Feb 18, 2004 11:40:18 GMT
Adriano wants to celebrate his 22nd birthday with a win in the Milan derby and a goal against his fellow Brazilian Dida.
“I like playing alongside great champions,” he revealed on the official Inter website, “even if one day you are their teammate and the next opponents. The important thing is to win, always.”
There will be a decidedly South American feel to the derby this Saturday, as Kaka, Cafu, Dida, Serginho and Adriano face off at the San Siro.
Today is the ex-Parma man’s 22nd birthday and after taking on the Republic of Ireland in an international friendly, his sights are firmly set on Dida.
“I had a slice of cake after training, but that was all for my celebration. On Saturday night we will do everything possible to put Milan under pressure and aim for a win by any means necessary.”
This is not a happy time in the Nerazzurri camp, with a controversial Coppa Italia exit and home defeat to Udinese in the space of four days.
“I remain optimistic,” he insisted. “I am playing with more consistency now and feel everyone has faith in me. I desperately want a goal – both against Ireland and the Milan derby.”
There is some good news for Coach Alberto Zaccheroni, as Cristiano Zanetti is back training with the squad after several months on the sidelines. It is possible the midfielder could recover full fitness in time for Saturday night’s showdown.