Vieira envies Milan spot
Patrick Vieira has launched an attack on Champions League quarter-finalists Milan, insisting Inter deserved to be in this position instead.
“I cannot understand how Milan can participate in the Champions League after everything that happened,” said the midfielder on RAI television programme 'Sport Sera’.
The Rossoneri were originally excluded from the competition in the wake of the Calciopoli trial, but won their appeal to enter via the qualifying round.
Vieira was at the centre of the scandal, as he saw the two titles he won with Juventus stripped and the club demoted to Serie B.
“I realise other people might have a different opinion to mine, but I find it difficult to figure out why they have been allowed in to the tournament.”
Despite the circumstances in which the two teams entered, Milan are in the quarter-finals for the sixth year running, while Inter fell on the away goals rule to Valencia in the last round.
“The ticket to the next phase was within our grasp. We were a little unlucky and my absence also had an influence on the result,” said the Frenchman who missed those ties due to an injury.
“Despite the fact we were the stronger team, we were eliminated because we were under too much pressure. We hope it can go better next season.”
Vieira has just returned to the Appiano Gentile training camp after several weeks in France for treatment to his serious knee injury.
“The rehabilitation process is going well. I am improving and hope to be back on the field in around two weeks.”
In other Inter news, assistant manager Sinisa Mihajlovic is celebrating the birth of baby son Nikolas.
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hmm Loser?