Inter Milan Vice President To Ex Brazil Striker Upon Retiring From Football: “You Deserve A Lot Of Love” | OneFootball

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti has sent an emotional message to his ex-clubmate Adriano, who retired from football on Sunday.

Zanetti shared a heartfelt letter on Instagram via FCInterNews to honor L’Imperatore after the Brazilian’s farewell match at the iconic Maracanã on December 15.

Adriano and Zanetti shared the dressing room for almost a decade, albeit with sporadic interruptions.

Indeed, the 42-year-old first joined Inter from Flamengo in 2001.

However, the Nerazzurri would sell the Brazilian center-forward to Parma a year later, only to sign him back in 2004.

During his second stint at Giuseppe Meazza, Adriano established himself as one of Europe’s fiercest strikers.

Despite battling inconsistency and personal challenges, he delivered unforgettable moments of brilliance.

Known for his unparalleled strength and powerful left foot, Adriano amassed 177 appearances for Inter.

In that time, he bagged 74 goals and registered 28 assists, cementing his status as one of the fan favorites.

Inter Milan Vice-President Javier Zanetti Bids Farewell to Adriano After Brazilian Retired from Football

Adriano left Inter in 2009 to return to his boyhood club Flamengo.

Struggling with alcoholism and immense psychological pressure, his career took a dramatic downturn after departing Meazza.

After underwhelming spells at Roma, Corinthians, Flamengo, Athletico Paranaense, and Miami United, he quit football in 2016.

However, he officially called time on his footballing career last weekend.

Zanetti has always been in Adriano’s corner. Indeed, he has often spoken kindly of his former teammate.

Now that Adriano has hung up his boots, the Inter chief executive felt the need to express his admiration for the Emperor.

“You deserve so much love. For me, it was an honor and a privilege to play alongside you,” Zanetti wrote.

“You know how much I care about you. Sending you a big kiss and a strong hug.”

Like Zanetti, Inter fans will never forget Adriano.