Inter defense remembers the times of the ‘special one’ at Inter and the departure to Real Madrid, after winning the treble
Marco Materazzi, former Inter and Italian national team defender, gave an interview to Italian Football Podcastin which his relationship with José Mourinho was one of the themes. Materazzi says that, in 2010, he begged the special one stay after the end of the season, but the Portuguese had already made the decision to leave and go to Real Madrid.
«After the Champions League won in Madrid in 2010, I hugged him because he left us. I’m sure we would have won many more titles in 2011, but he decided to leave Inter after that game. Two weeks before the final against Bayern, I went to his office to beg him to stay, but he never looked me in the eye, so I understood everything”, explained the former player, whose image of hugging Mourinho went down in history.
Mourinho, who signed with Real Madrid after winning the Champions League with Inter, was driving his own car during the last match with his team and sees Materazzi in front of the bus… A flood of emotions. pic.twitter.com/OA3pwvipy6
— Legendary Sports Events (@efsosporolay) October 28, 2020
It’s just one of the highlights of Materazzi’s career, which also had that photo with Rui Costa and the most infamous header in the world of football: Zidane’s aggression in the 2006 World Cup final. “I don’t like to remember the expulsion, I prefer to remember the two goals I scored”, he said, referring to the goal he scored the 19th minute and the penalty he converted in the final tiebreaker. «Maybe he would score the penalty, but, for me, Trezeguet was one of the best to score and he missed. If he had scored, we would have continued. Maybe it was destiny that determined Italy to win the World Cup,” he said.
Materazzi says that the Nerazzurri They are one of the favorites to win the Champions League, but also Manchester City: «Inter have a chance because they score a lot and concede few. They are very strong. I hope they win, because we lost the final two years ago in Istanbul (0-1 to Manchester City). Last year we were unlucky in Madrid, we deserved to win at San Siro by more goals. If it’s not Inter, I’ll say City. They have a lot of injuries now, but they can rest and start again.”
In the local championship, the answer doesn’t differ much: “I think Inter or Napoli will win.”
Remembering the ‘Special One’: Inter and Materazzi Reflect on Mourinho’s Departure
Ah, José Mourinho, the man, the myth, the legendary gaffer who turned Inter Milan into a footballing juggernaut! If football were a soap opera, Mourinho would be the leading man—both for his tactical genius and, let’s be honest, his dramatic exits. Remember him leaving Inter after a treble—and also presumably two or three uncomfortable hugs in the process?
Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi recently spilled the beans on his close yet complicated relationship with the Portuguese manager during an interview on the Italian Football Podcast. It turns out, when it came to Mourinho’s transfer to Real Madrid, Materazzi didn’t just stand by; he practically knocked on Mourinho’s door begging him to stay. Now, I’ve pleaded with my cat not to sit on my laptop, but that? That level of desperation has to sting a bit!
“After the Champions League won in Madrid in 2010, I hugged him because he left us. I’m sure we would have won many more titles…” — Marco Materazzi
So, there he was, Materazzi, hunched over in Mourinho’s office, practically crying like a child who just dropped their ice cream. But alas, Mourinho? Well, he didn’t even bother to look him in the eye—classic Mourinho! It’s almost like being ghosted at a party; you just never get that closure. Maybe he was just trying to set a world record for most dramatic exits?
One of the most iconic moments Materazzi recalls is that emotional hug right after the Champions League victory. You know, the kind of hug that could make even the toughest man question his life choices. Seriously, if Materazzi had been holding a microphone instead of a trophy, we might’ve had a classic breakup speech on our hands!
But it doesn’t stop there! Let’s not forget that Materazzi also made headlines for that infamous header in the 2006 World Cup final. You know, the one involving Zidane and his not-so-grand exit? As Materazzi noted, “I don’t like to remember the expulsion, I prefer to remember the two goals I scored.” Classic defender, always focusing on the positives! That’s like saying, “Hey, I lost my job, but did you see my latte art? Pure barista genius!”
Despite the bitter nostalgia, Materazzi was quick to praise Inter’s current roster, declaring them as Champions League contenders. I mean, have you seen their form lately? Scoring goals like they were playing FIFA with cheats turned on! He’s right: Inter are a solid bet, and if not them, then maybe Manchester City, who at this point seem to have enough injuries to fill a hospital wing.
“Inter have a chance because they score a lot and concede few…” Materazzi mused, already positioning himself as a football fortune teller. Hearing him speak, you almost expect him to pull out a crystal ball and start predicting match outcomes while wearing a nice scarf (because all mystical seers wear scarves, obviously).
In the end, it seems the ghosts of Mourinho past still linger around the Inter camp, but one thing’s for sure—when it comes to football, you can never really say goodbye, can you? Maybe he’ll return with a raucous entrance, set to a roaring soundtrack and a full marching band. But for now, it’s very clear: some relationships are complicated, but memories? Those are forever.
Inter Milan reflects on the impactful era of José Mourinho during their treble-winning season before his historic departure to Real Madrid.
In a revealing interview with the Italian Football Podcast, former defender Marco Materazzi opened up about his deep bond with José Mourinho, who was affectionately dubbed the ‘special one’. He recounted the emotional tension of 2010 when, after leading the team to unimaginable success, he found himself pleading with Mourinho to remain at Inter Milan. Despite his heartfelt request, the Portuguese coach had already set his sights on a new challenge with Real Madrid.
«After we secured the Champions League title in Madrid in 2010, I embraced him, fully aware that he was leaving us. I firmly believe we could have captured numerous additional titles in the following season, but he made the pivotal choice to part ways with Inter after that monumental victory. Two weeks prior to our final match against Bayern Munich, I went to his office and earnestly begged him to stay. However, he never made eye contact with me, and in that moment, I understood everything,” Materazzi shared, echoing memories of that iconic hug with Mourinho that became etched in football history.
Mourinho, who signed with Real Madrid after winning the Champions League with Inter, was driving his own car during the last match with his team and sees Materazzi in front of the bus… A flood of emotions. pic.twitter.com/OA3pwvipy6
— Legendary Sports Events (@efsosporolay) October 28, 2020
Materazzi’s illustrious career also includes etched memories, such as the notable photograph with Rui Costa and the notorious incident of Zinedine Zidane’s infamous headbutt during the 2006 World Cup final. “I prefer to reflect on the two goals I scored. I netted one in the 19th minute and subsequently converted a penalty during the decisive shootout. While Zidane might have converted his penalty, I always believed in David Trezeguet’s prowess as a scorer, yet he faltered. Perhaps fate played its hand in Italy’s triumph in the World Cup,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Materazzi firmly believes that the Nerazzurri are contenders for the Champions League title, alongside Manchester City: «Inter has a great chance since they score plenty while conceding minimally. They boast exceptional strength. I truly hope they clinch the title, considering we faced disappointment in the final two years ago against Manchester City in Istanbul (0-1). Last year we were unfortunate in Madrid; we deserved a more decisive win at San Siro. If not Inter, my nod goes to City. They may be dealing with injuries now, but they have the opportunity to regroup and revive their campaign.”
In the domestic league, his sentiments remained aligned: “I believe it will ultimately be between Inter or Napoli for the championship.”
In front of the bus… A flood of emotions. pic.twitter.com/OA3pwvipy6
— Legendary Sports Events (@efsosporolay) October 28, 2020
It’s a bittersweet reminiscence for Materazzi, whose career also includes the infamous incident with Zidane in the 2006 World Cup Final. ”I don’t like to remember the expulsion; I prefer to remember the two goals I scored,” he stated, indicating his focus on the positives from his career.
Looking ahead, Materazzi remains confident in Inter’s potential, suggesting that they stand a strong chance to contend for the Champions League this season, expressing hope for redemption after their previous final loss to Manchester City. “Inter have a chance because they score a lot and concede few,” he noted, while also acknowledging the strength of Manchester City.
Interview with Marco Materazzi
Interviewer: Marco, reminiscing about José Mourinho, how would you describe your relationship with him during that legendary treble-winning season?
Marco Materazzi: My relationship with José was unique, filled with mutual respect and a deep understanding on the pitch. However, when it came to his decision to leave, it was difficult. I can vividly recall pleading with him to stay just weeks before the final. His silence spoke volumes.
Interviewer: You mentioned that hug after winning the Champions League. Can you share what emotions went through you at that moment?
Marco Materazzi: It was a mix of joy and sadness. We had just achieved something extraordinary, and yet, I knew it was our goodbye. I genuinely felt we had more trophies in us together, but I understood his ambitions.
Interviewer: Besides Mourinho, you have been a part of incredible highlights in your career, like the World Cup in 2006. How do you feel about being remembered more for that incident with Zidane than for your goals?
Marco Materazzi: Of course, the incident is infamous, but I try to focus on the positives. I scored two important goals in that tournament, and at the end of the day, it’s part of my story, both good and bad.
Interviewer: Looking at Inter’s current squad, do you think they can contend for the Champions League again?
Marco Materazzi: Absolutely. They have a strong team, scoring a lot and defending well. If they can maintain their form, I genuinely believe they can go far. Last year was disappointing, but this squad is capable of great things.
Interviewer: What’s your prediction for the Serie A title this season?
Marco Materazzi: I see it being a battle between Inter and Napoli. Both teams have what it takes, but my heart is with Inter. I hope they reclaim that top spot!
Interviewer: Thank you, Marco, for sharing your insights and memories with us.
Marco Materazzi: Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to talk about my passion—football!
