Leonardo insists he was never in the frame for an Inter return – “they wanted Frank de Boer for a long time”.
The Brazilian was Coach of the Nerazzurri for around six months in the 2010-11 season, before taking over as Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting director.
When speculation first began to emerge about Roberto Mancini’s future this summer, it was mooted that Leonardo could return, but the man himself says that was never on the cards.
“The club planned to stick with Mancini,” Leonardo explained to Sky Italia.
Leonardo insists he was never in the frame for an Inter return – “they wanted Frank de Boer for a long time”.
The Brazilian was Coach of the Nerazzurri for around six months in the 2010-11 season, before taking over as Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting director.
When speculation first began to emerge about Roberto Mancini’s future this summer, it was mooted that Leonardo could return, but the man himself says that was never on the cards.
“The club planned to stick with Mancini,” Leonardo explained to Sky Italia.
“After that things changed, and they focused on De Boer who had been in their plans for a long time.
“As for me, I was briefly at Inter and the relationship ended too quickly. The memories are beautiful though.”
Ahead of the Derby d’Italia, Leonardo was also asked whether he’d pick Juventus’ Gonzalo Higuain or Inter’s Mauro Icardi.
“The former is a mature player, while the Nerazzurro is young and is just starting his football career.”