Maicon set for Abu Dhabi club classic

Inter Milan’s Brazilian defender Maicon has urged his side to make the most of their participation in this month’s Club World Cup.

European champions Inter kick off their campaign with a semi-final against South Korea’s Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma on Wednesday, and Maicon said Inter was looking forward to getting started in Abu Dhabi, where the event is being staged.

“We have started to live this experience intensely, minute by minute,” Maicon said.

“We know that it is an historic moment for the club and, for many of us, a unique opportunity in our careers.”

“So few players get to challenge for this trophy and we earned our right to be here with so many victories in the Champions League. We want to end this 2010 by concluding that winning journey.”

Maicon is hopeful of playing in Abu Dhabi as he continues to battle back to full fitness after a thigh strain.

“My situation is improving day by day. I work regularly to reach peak condition so that I can really help the team,” he said.

Diego Milito also made the trip as he recovers from a similar injury while goalkeeper Julio Cesar is another making a bid to return from injury in the Seongnam game.