Milito maintains faith in Inter with derby looming

Diego Milito has given Inter a boost ahead of the Derby della Madonnina, after he revealed he will remain at the club indefinitely.

The Argentine endured a difficult 2011 but has been in fine goalscoring form since the turn of year and is now looking forward to next season as he believes that Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti will spend big in the summer in order to restore the club to their former glory.

“I have always said that I’m happy here,” Milito told Rai Sport.

“I want to stay, unless off course they want to send me away.

He added on Sky Sport Italia: “I’m happy in Milan. I’m at a great team who are the offspring of a great club.

“And we are already convinced that we will return to being competitive next season.

“The president has always invested in the squad, and not just in terms of passion, to make a great Inter.”

Milito admitted that he is also keen to continue working with manager Andrea Stramaccioni, who is being tipped to get the job on a permanent basis after overseeing an impressive upturn in the club’s fortunes since succeeding Claudio Ranieri at the helm in March.

“Stramaccioni’s arrival has been very positive,” the striker said.

“With him, we have rediscovered our identity and regained our confidence. Stramaccioni has given us enthusiasm.”

However, on Wednesday, Inter tasted defeat for the first time since the former Primavera boss took charge, losing 3-1 at Parma, a result which has left them three points off third spot with just two rounds of the season remaining.

“The truth is that now it’s even more difficult because it does not depend on us,” Milito conceded.

“We can just try to give everything in the last two games and see what happens.”

Sunday’s derby against AC Milan is now of even greater significance to Inter, who must win to keep their Champions League dream alive.

“The derby is always important for all of us and for the fans,” he said.

“The race for third place has become difficult, but we must forget about Parma and try to win the derby, which is always a lot different and very special, regardless of our respective rankings.”