Inter Milan Coach Jose Mourinho has stated that Chelsea
striker Didier Drogba is like a son to him, but that does not mean
the Ivorian will be joining the Italian champions.
In a press conference, Mourinho claimed, "It is easy for me to talk
about him, because he is like a son to me. "I remember every moment
we spent together: from when I wanted him at Chelsea and he first
arrived at Stamford Bridge, to the Cup Final at Wembley when he
hugged me before his team-mates, seeking me out like crazy in the
locker room.
"But it is also difficult for me to talk about him, because he is a
Chelsea player, he has a contract with them and can choose between
many different teams when he wants to leave."
Drogba made his feelings clear about the handling of Jose Mourinho
when he was sacked as Chelsea manager, and reportedly threatened to
quit the club. He has been linked with Inter for some months now
but as yet has not made the move.
Mourinho continued by saying he hadn't contacted Drogba for months.
"I haven’t spoken to him in months,” added Mourinho. “The last time
was when he injured himself against Cluj in the first few Champions
League games.
"Besides, we have a tricky situation here, as we have [Hernan]
Crespo, [Julio] Cruz, Adriano and [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic. "I
understand that when there is talk of his unhappiness at the Blues,
Inter’s name will inevitably come out. "That is down to the rapport
that exists between us, but there is nothing else in it. I hope he
rediscovers joy and happiness and that he can play at his
level."
Current Inter strikers Hernan Crespo and Julio Cruz have both been
earmarked for moves to Real Madrid to cover for the injured Ruud
Van Nistelrooy, but Inter president Massimo Moratti has stated that
he had no idea of Inter director meeting with Drogba to discuss a
possible move to the San Siro.
Speaking to Sky Italia, Moratti said, "I didn't even know
about Branca's trip to London and I too will endeavour to have it
explained to me what it was all about. "I think that it is the
player who wants to join us more than anything. We do not need
strikers and in fact have a few too many, all of them very strong.
Besides, Mourinho has never asked me for any new signings."