Maniche: “I’ve joined one of the greatest teams in the world”

Champions League goal

Portuguese midfielder Maniche has described his move to Italian champions Inter as a dream, after completing a six-month loan move to the San Siro.

Maniche fell out of favour at Atletico Madrid following an ongoing feud with manager Javier Aguirre, but was delighted to be given the opportunity to make the switch to the Nerazurri.

“It is a dream to be here,” he told Inter’s channel on Tuesday evening after completing his medical and taking part in his first training session. “I have joined one of the greatest teams in the world and there are some fantastic players here.”

“I am proud to be another Portuguese in this squad which is proving to be very strong. My compatriot Figo has told me a lot about Inter. He told me it’s like being in a big family and that I will be very happy in a wonderful group.

“I spoke with Roberto Mancini today. I knew him as a great player; now I will know him as a coach. I am entirely at his service.

Champions League dream

“The Champions League? Inter want to win this trophy and this team can do well. It will be a great clash with Liverpool. We want to win and go as far as possible in the cup.” The Portugal midfielder won the trophy with FC Porto in 2004.

Maniche will wear the no. 28 jersey at Inter, which represents the 30-year-old’s fourth club since leaving FC Porto in 2005. Unsuccessful stints in Russia with Dynamo Moscow and in England with Chelsea preceded his move to the Spanish capital in 2006.