We’ll miss Mourinho – Palermo’s Miccoli

(GSM) – Palermo forward Fabrizio Miccoli believes Italy will miss former Internazionale coach Jose Mourinho now he left to Real Madrid.

The Portuguese coach won the treble with Inter last season, which was never done before in the rich history of Italian football.

“Inter are still in front of everyone, but Roma are getting close. I am betting on Adriano’s comeback,” Miccoli told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Milan and Juventus don’t seem to be at Inter’s and Roma’s level; Sampdoria, Palermo, Fiorentina and even Genoa and Udinese will have more chances.

“I will miss Mourinho a lot. He plans everything, protecting the group by attracting all the attention on himself.”

Miccoli then reflected on his recovery from a serious knee injury.

“I will be at Palermo’s training camp tomorrow, but the check up with Professor Mariani on July 24 will be important. I lack elasticity and strength. I hope to miss only the first two games. Then, who knows, I might surprise you and be there to start the campaign.”

Finally, the former Juventus and Benfica striker revealed why he snubbed a move to Birmingham City earlier this summer.

“I have shown off the contract that Birmingham offered me: €2.5m a season after tax for four years, almost double that I earn at Palermo, with whom I am tied until 2012.

“I chose with my heart. Zamparini will know how to sort things out. He doesn’t have to ‘thank me again’ for turning down the last big contract of my career.”