Stramaccioni salutes Mourinho influence

Andrea Stramaccioni says that Jose Mourinho will always be part of Inter’s history following his spell in charge of the club.

The 50-year-old left the Giuseppe Meazza side for Real Madrid in the summer of 2010 after guiding them to a historic treble.

And Stramaccioni has stressed that the current Madrid coach’s performances will always be remembered by the fans.

“Jose will always remain embedded in Inter’s history, forever remembered and honoured by club and fans alike, just as he deserves,” the Inter boss said.

“I think the same way myself, because for all of us Interisti, he will still be special in 100 years’ time.”

The Madrid boss turned 50 on Saturday, and Stramaccioni did not pass up on the opportunity to congratulate the Portuguese on his birthday.

“I sent him a text to wish him happy birthday, now I can do it publicly too,” he said.

Meanwhile, Stramaccioni is wary of Sunday’s Serie A opponents Torino as Inter continue to battle a lengthy injury list.

Antonio Cassano will return to the line-up but Diego Milito is still on the sidelines alongside Philippe Coutinho and Walter Samuel.

“Toro have found a sense of consistency under Giampiero Ventura and were unlucky to drop some points earlier this season,” Stramaccioni said.

“Now with the return of a few players from injury, Torino are probably the form team in Serie A in terms of legs and enthusiasm.

“We know that we can’t get this wrong. It is a very important game to continue chasing the top places and we will be ready.

“Compared to when we met earlier this season, we are different, have grown and will prove it tomorrow. It’ll be tough, as Torino have a style of football that makes it very difficult for opponents.”

Inter lie in fourth place on the Serie A table.