Former Inter striker Adriano believes he and Mauro Icardi would make “a wonderful pairing” up-front.
The 36-year-old joined the Nerazzurri in 2001 and was one of the best talents of his generation, but personal problems meant he never hit the heights he should have.
Adriano has been semi-retired since 2011, and last played for Miami United in 2016.
“I know how good I was, and I know I did important things,” Adriano said in an interview with DAZN.
Former Inter striker Adriano believes he and Mauro Icardi would make “a wonderful pairing” up-front.
The 36-year-old joined the Nerazzurri in 2001 and was one of the best talents of his generation, but personal problems meant he never hit the heights he should have.
Adriano has been semi-retired since 2011, and last played for Miami United in 2016.
“I know how good I was, and I know I did important things,” Adriano said in an interview with DAZN.
“I couldn’t believe it when I first came to Italy, with Inter. I remember just looking at everyone in the dressing room, from [Clarence] Seedorf to [Marco] Materazzi.
“I also remember that Ronaldo welcomed me really well, even into his home. I lived in a hotel and he asked if I wanted to move in with him. It was beautiful.
“In sporting terms I experienced and incredible dressing room, and in terms of life [Javier] Zanetti was an example.
“He was always beside me, especially when my father died, and President [Massimo] Moratti also helped me a lot, he was like a second father.
“I’ll be grateful to him forever for everything he did for me and my family in those years, every time I talk about him I get emotional.
“Now I’m happy with my friends and family in Rio, we live a very normal life. I didn’t retire, I just decided to take a pause.
“If there’s a chance to go back to playing I’ll be there, but only in Brazil. I can’t be away from my three children.”
Adriano was also asked about current Inter captain Mauro Icardi.
“Icardi is a great player and still very young. He and I would be a wonderful pairing on the pitch.”
The Brazilian was known for his ferocious left foot…
“I was born that way, it was like that from an early age,” Adriano explained.
“My friends told me to kick it more softly but it was pure instinct. I could never hit it softly, always and only hard.”