Vieri: Mancini will coach me at Inter

The Italian international has practically taken root at Inter by his own journeyman standards, having arrived at the club in 1999 from Lazio and is flattered that president Massimo Moratti wants him to stay at Giuseppe Meazza for life.

There are increasing rumours that Moratti will install Mancini at the helm when Hector Cuper's tenure at the club ends, and Vieri admits that the Lazio man has been mentioned by the popular president.

He said: "Has the president told me that in the future there is the possibility Mancini could train Inter? Let's just say I think I could play for him.

"Considering I am staying here for life and could play until I am 38 - nine years from now - I would say there is a chance!

"President Moratti has said to me many times that I could stay here for the rest of my career.

"It means that he holds me in great esteem and that is obviously hugely satisfying.

"I feel good here in Milan, and with Inter and its president.

"Moratti isn't just the president he is also a fan.

"He is still in charge because Inter is his life, and he expects you to give everything for his club.

"You can win or lose, but the president only asks that you give everything."

Vieri's relationship with coach Cuper has long been the subject of speculation, but the striker reveals that he enjoys playing for the Argentine tactician, and that a lengthy chat has made their relationship cordial.

"We had a long face-to-face in which he asked my opinions on a number of things," revealed Vieri.

"Our relationship has changed a lot, and now I smile and laugh a lot with him.

"That isn't to say it was bad last season. Cuper brought many good things to the club - the main thing being continuity.

"Now Inter are top of the league and doing well in the Champions League - and this has affirmed his place at the top of the league.

"I think this shows he is one of the best coaches in the world."

Vieri has been reticent to give interviews recently, admitting he is fed up with seeing his quotes taken out of context.

"I decided to avoid talking until now," said Vieri. "All the things I was saying were written up differently.

"I'm not interested in what people think but I expect to be quoted accurately."