Milan general manager Leonardo explains he went to Inter as Coach “for several reasons” but above all to work with Massimo Moratti.
The Brazilian had two spells with the Rossoneri as a player, and was also Coach for the 2009-10 season.
However, he disappointed many Diavolo fans in December 2010, when he took over their city rivals, though there won't be any split loyalties when the sides meet in the live streaming Milan derby.
Milan general manager Leonardo explains he went to Inter as Coach “for several reasons” but above all to work with Massimo Moratti.
The Brazilian had two spells with the Rossoneri as a player, and was also Coach for the 2009-10 season.
However, he disappointed many Diavolo fans in December 2010, when he took over their city rivals, though there won't be any split loyalties when the sides meet in the live streaming Milan derby.
“It was Milan who made me a Coach,” Leonardo explained as he accepted the 2018 Premio Liedholm.
“I didn’t want to do it, but after we started we did the whole thing together. I went to Inter for several reasons, but the main trigger was Moratti.
“I had relationships with a lot of the Brazilian Inter players when I was playing, and I always tried to stay close to Ronaldo and help him.
“Our relationship was born there. I shared thousands of projects with his daughter, Carlotta, and I met Moratti many times.
“This is now the fourth time I’ve come back to Milan, and all were based on emotion.”
Leonardo has given up coaching to focus on being a director, and he explained some of the reasons for that.
“I’ve done a bit of everything in my career. Having done so many different roles, I have a clear idea what my limitations are.
“Players and Coaches win games, clubs win league titles. They live in the short term, whereas for a club it’s long term and it’s not easy.
“Being solid, consistent, and building lasting relationships is important.
“You experience different emotions as a Coach. The Coach lives his life tied to results, as a director you have to be more solid.
“With Adriano Galliani I did my six years of University. I think it was a practical University course and Milan was perfect for that in every respect.”