Inter President Massimo Moratti has presented new Coach Leonardo to the media. “I am very happy with this decision and won't put pressure on him.”
The patron caused shockwaves when he axed Rafa Benitez just six months into the contract and signed Milan legend Leo, but was at today's Press conference.
“Leonardo forced me to be here today. It's the first time a Coach has asked for me to be present,” smiled Moratti.
Leonardo has held his first Press conference as Nerazzurri Coach. “I'll never forget Milan, but I couldn't say no to Inter.”
The tactician was appointed on Christmas Eve after Rafa Benitez's departure by mutual consent, but only begins training this afternoon.
“I have already spoken to all the players, because we don't have time to lose and play our first game on January 6. The squad and the club welcomed me positively and I thank them for that,” said the man who was on the Rossoneri bench last season.
Around 3,000 fans attended Leonardo's first Inter training session at the Pinetina training ground.
Today's run-out also represented the first proper sighting of the squad since winning the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi.
The trophy was carried out by President Massimo Moratti, who handed it to captain Javier Zanetti for the fans to see.
The official Inter website noted that as soon as the new Coach stepped on to the training field, supporters sang: ‘Leonardo is one of us.'
Douglas Maicon will not leave Inter during the January transfer window, according to his agent Antonio Caliendo.
Reports in the Spanish and Italian media claim Real Madrid are once again expressing an interest in the signing the Brazil international full-back.
Jose Mourinho has made no secret of his wish to be reunited with the player nicknamed Popeye and it appears Real are looking to capitalise on any uncertainty at Inter amounting from Rafa Benitez's dismissal and the appointment of Leonardo.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini claims Inter President Massimo Moratti has "always been fascinated by Carlos Tevez."
The Argentina international striker's future is still the subject of great debate after he requested a transfer earlier this month, citing differences with City's chief executives.
Initially, Tevez hinted at a return to Boca Juniors so he can be close to his children, but that hasn't stopped Europe's biggest clubs from being linked with his signature.
Both Milan clubs are vying to sign Chievo midfield playmaker Kevin Constant, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 23-year-old trequartista has been an absolute revelation this season following his move from Chateauroux.
He has played in a number of positions in Gialloblu, showing a highly regarded versatility in midfield.
La Gazzetta understands Chievo value the Guinea international at between €4m and €5m.
Milan are said to be very keen on Constant, but Inter apparently have the edge.
Inter haven't given up hope of signing Ricky Kaka and will monitor his progress with Real Madrid in the next few weeks.
Speculation is mounting that Inter boss Leonardo will push to be reunited with Kaka who he knew well at Milan.
The former Ballon d'Or winner is due to make his comeback after a long injury lay-off and Inter will monitor his progress with a view to launching a bid, even though their interest has been discouraged by the player.
Milan legend Marco Van Basten thinks Leonardo has betrayed the club by joining heated rivals Inter.
Leonardo accepted the offer to replace Rafa Benitez despite his 13-year history with Milan.
Speaking to Sky Italia, Van Basten said: "It's not right to pass from one family to another. Wouldn't it be a betrayal?
"In my case, yes. I was at Milan for many years. I found myself happy. In my opinion even Inter understand this way of thinking."
Genoa President Enrico Preziosi thinks his decision to sell Andrea Ranocchia to Inter in January is "intelligent."
Inter have agreed to pay €12.5m for the remaining 50 per cent stake of the Italy international centre-back's contract.
The Nerazzurri had paid half that figure just to co-own Ranocchia in the summer, leaving Preziosi with a grin on his face.
Inter had initially planned to conclude the deal at the end of the season, but they brought talks forward after Walter Samuel suffered a serious knee injury.
Although Kaka denies it, reports continue to suggest new Inter Coach Leonardo will try to bring the Real Madrid star back to San Siro.
On Christmas Eve the Nerazzurri officially appointed Leonardo after terminating their contract with Rafa Benitez by mutual consent.
The former Milan boss was something of a surprise pick and opens up some intriguing transfer prospects.
“I do believe that Leonardo's arrival could facilitate Kaka's move to Inter,” agent and transfer expert Antonio Caliendo told Sky Sport Italia.
