Inter defender Juan Jesus believes the Nerazzurri must win the Europa League – in order to return to the Champions League.
Inter haven’t qualified for Europe’s top club competition since their last appearance in 2011-12, but their Brazilian centre-back believes the club should always be competing in it.
Inter defender Juan Jesus believes the Nerazzurri must win the Europa League – in order to return to the Champions League.
Inter haven’t qualified for Europe’s top club competition since their last appearance in 2011-12, but their Brazilian centre-back believes the club should always be competing in it.
Subsequently, he states that this season’s Europa League offers them a route back to the top table that they should look to take.
“This competition [the Europa League] now offers direct qualification for the Champions League,” Jesus has told Globo Esporte.
“That’s why we’re very focused, we have seven points and if we beat Saint-Etienne tonight we’ll be closer to qualification.
“We want to get back to the Champions League, because it’s a competition which Inter should never be out of.”
The Brazil international is part of a long tradition of samba stars at San Siro, and the 23-year-old discussed some of his predecessors – including troubled former striker Adriano.
“Brazilians have always done great things here [at Inter].
“I’m thinking of Ze Maria, of Roberto Carlos even though he left after a year to join Real Madrid.
“There’s nothing left to be said about Ronaldo. Everyone loves him, he was capable of changing a game by himself.
“Another player who knew how to do that was Adriano. He gave everything for Inter, it was Inter who gave him the nickname ‘The Emperor’.
“Everyone I ask says he was a humble guy who got along with everyone. It’s strange that people at the club speak one way about him, and the newspapers another.
“Everyone liked him for the person he is. It pains me that Brazil have lost a great player like him.”