Barca mind games helped us – Maicon

(GSM) – Internazionale full back Maicon has thanked Barcelona for their mind games ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash.

The Spaniards wore special T-Shirts with a message to their opponents, while fans camped out beneath the team hotel all night to throw fireworks and bang drums.

“Absolutely, it helped! Barcelona’s words fired us up even more and we were fortunate really that their attempts to trouble us actually had the opposite effect,” smiled Maicon.

“It is a victory for sacrifice and humility. After the red card we showed our strength and struggled to the end to reach the Final.”

Inter had to play with 10 men for over an hour, as Thiago Motta was harshly sent off.

“We know there’s a long way to go for the trophy, but we are happy to have achieved this small step.

“We told Thiago Motta that going out for the second half we were all going to win it for him.”

Because of that card, Thiago Motta will also be suspended for the Final against Bayern München on May 22.