Former Inter and Italy national team defender Marco Materazzi has confessed that, like all Inter fans, he was left feeling ‘hurt’ after the Nerazzurri lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the Champions League final, but has criticised those who mocked the defeat with ‘low blow’ comments.
The 2006 World Cup winner took to Instagram almost a week after Inter’s heartbreak in Istanbul last Saturday, posting a long message in which he shared his reaction to the loss.
“It would be hypocritical not to admit that it hurts,” Materazzi explained. “When there is passion and great love for the shirt and you get so close to the ultimate goal, you start to hope, as is normal.”
There were still some positives to take from the final though, as Materazzi got to catch up with many of his former teammates, particularly those from Inter’s treble winning squad of 2009-10.
“I was pleased to see so many friends again and experience the feelings that a Champions League final brings you,” he said on Instagram.
Materazzi did have a word for those who have been sending insulting messages after Inter’s loss in the final in Istanbul, insisting that the ‘teasing’, at certain stages, went too far.
“I accept the teasing, it’s a sign that I’ve never been out of touch with the fans,” he wrote.
“It would be nice if one day they teased each other without getting personal or resorting to insults. Those “low blow” comments say a lot more about you than about me.”
Finally, the 49-year-old signed off with a message of adulation for both Inter and the eventual champions, Man City, while insisting that he is becoming increasingly proud to be a Nerazzurri supporter.
“Congratulations to Inter for the journey and congratulations to Manchester City for the victory. More and more proud to be INTERISTA.”