Adriano thanks Mourinho

Brazilian striker Adriano has thanked Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho for reviving his footballing career.


Adriano was on target in Inter's 2-0 away win over Panathinaikos in their Champions League opening group game.

“I was mainly happy to be back on the field with an Inter jersey, so I did not expect to score!" he said.

“Mourinho gave me the opportunity to play for this club and I hope to continue like this.”

L'Imperatore
was a late substitute in the 2-0 win away to Panathinaikos and within
two minutes of coming on had scored with a fierce strike under the bar.

The
Brazilian had left the club last year for a loan stint at San Paolo
amid very public arguments with Roberto Mancini and went off the rails
in his private life, too.

“Mourinho puts a lot of faith in me
for my work and my life. He said I had to work hard in every training
session and charged me up. When you meet a Coach like that, it helps
you to get back on track.

“He gives everyone confidence and
makes sure we all know there are no certain starters, so we can all
earn our place on match day.”

This was Adriano's first
competitive appearance of the season and his first Champions League
goal since a 2-1 over Villarreal in March 2006.

“I still have to
work hard to get back to the player I was, but I am doing everything I
can during the week. The President and the fans deserve the best from
me.

“I am not 100 per cent yet, as I got that muscular injury and was out for a month, but I'll get there soon enough.”