Milito: 'Inter should choose Leonardo'

Former Inter striker Diego Milito states that he would have chosen Leonardo as the club's new boss.

The Nerazzurri hero also gave encouraging words to fans of the club, stressing that it was 'only a matter of time' before the club rose again, and that he would 'never say never' about a return in an executive position.

But how will they emerge from the crisis that has engulfed them this season?

"Only together, by remaining united," Milito told La Repubblica. "And I speak not only about the dressing room, but the whole environment: the club, the fans and executives.

"Inter will rise again, it's just a matter of time. In this way Inter and Racing Club are similar, their fans are passionate, and they know what it is to suffer.

“De Boer? He’s a very good Coach, as was Mancini. Unfortunately he did not get immediate results and when there are no results, the first to pay is always the Coach.

"But Inter have great players. The fact is that every cycle needs time."

The Argentinian was asked about the difference between the current side and the 2009-10 treble-winning team that he belonged to.

"Making comparisons with the past is not nice nor fair. Each group has its own legacy and ours was great but to get where we were took patience. Time and patience.

Who would Milito chose to replace Frank de Boer at Inter?

"Leonardo. I've known him, he had the qualities to manage the dressing room and also relations with the leadership at such a delicate time.

"I have faith in people like Javier Zanetti and Piero Ausilio, they are familiar with the club and represent the true values of Inter. It is true that a figure like [Massimo] Moratti is hard to replace.

"His is a story of love for the club, when we talk about Moratti, we talk about Inter."

And what about the possibility of an exectutive position alongside former teammate and compatriot Zanetti?

"Never say never in football. I'm always in contact with Javier and with Inter, the club I love.

"Today it’s not feasible, but I cannot rule it out for the future. Anything is possible, after all."