New Inter Milan boss Leonardo insists he does not hold a grudge against AC Milan.
Benitez successor does not hold a grudge against Milan
New Inter Milan boss Leonardo insists his romantic outlook on life was the motivating factor behind his return to management and not the fulfilment of a grudge against AC Milan.
The Brazilian has succeeded Rafa Benitez after the Spaniard left the Giuseppe Meazza earlier in December in the wake of disappointing form and a fraught working relationship with club president Massimo Moratti.
Inter have since turned to Leonardo, who left hostile city rivals Milan in the summer after an underachieving debut season as a professional senior-team manager, and it has been suggested he has a point to prove.
But the former Brazil and Milan midfielder, 41, said at his first news conference at Inter's training ground: "I'm a romantic. I wasn't looking for work, I was looking for a dream and this is the biggest challenge there is."
He continued: "I thank Milan for 13 years together and I will never forget them but now I start a new adventure. I am a free man."
Pressure
Leonardo has also refused to throw in the towel in the Serie A title race, despite the fact that seventh-placed Inter trail leaders Milan by 13 points, albeit with two games in hand.
"I still believe in the scudetto," he said. "I know 13 points is a lot but the championship still has a long way to run."
Moratti, who dismissed Benitez shortly after winning the Club World Cup, said of Leonardo: "I am very happy about this appointment, I have always rated him.
"Now let him work without pressure but with all the ambition that we must have as champions of the world.
"He bears a heavy weight on his shoulders, as I do, for the decision the club have taken."
