Legendary Inter Milan & Brazil Striker Regrets Not Winning Ballon d’Or: “Moratti Tried To Help Me, But Mentally I Was No Longer There” | OneFootball

MoreoFormer Inter Milan striker Adriano has opened up on his well-documented off-field struggles toward the end of his career at San Siro.

Speaking to Betsson via FCInterNews, the Brazilian superstar admitted that Massimo Moratti had tried to help him overcome his issues.

Widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation, Adriano had all the makings of a future Ballon d’Or contender.

Adriano combined raw power, technique, and a lethal left foot, which made him virtually unplayable at his peak.

Furthermore, he was unstoppable for most of his five-year stint at San Siro, earning the nickname L’Imperatore.

Indeed, the Emperor won three consecutive Serie A titles with the Nerazzurri between 2006 and 2009.

More importantly, he was often the decisive factor for Roberto Mancini’s all-conquering side.

Unfortunately, his notorious downfall started when he lost his father to a hear attack just weeks after leading Brazil to Copa America glory in 2004.

From that moment on, Adriano’s life turned into chaos, with the 44-year-old eventually admitting to becoming an alcoholic as a result of this tragic loss.

Inter Milan Icon Adriano Admits Massimo Moratti Had Tried to Save His Life

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 25: Adriano celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Inter and Sampdoria at the Meazza Stadio on January 25, 2009 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by New Press/Getty Images)

Aware of Adriano’s potential and his personal struggles, former Inter president Massimo Moratti had tried to help him get back on track.

However, it was already too late. Indeed, the once fiercest striker in Serie A had already lost interest in football.

“In my opinion, I could have won the Ballon d’Or,” Adriano stated. “They gave it to Shevchenko, but at that time, I was at the same level.

“I could have really done more in my career,” he added. “I always think about it.

“When I watch my videos, I think I could have done another 3-4 years at a high level if I had managed to fix my head, I could have won the Ballon d’Or. But what happened happened. I cannot change that.”

“I could have done much more, but at a certain point, Adriano was no longer there. To be an ‘Emperor,’ I first had to be Adriano, with the right mindset, and at that moment in my life, I wasn’t like that.

“I thought too much about what had happened to my father. It’s not an excuse, but it truly saddened me. I had been the top scorer at the Copa América and the Confederations Cup, then my father passed away.

“At first, I didn’t realize it. I kept going, but then it started to hurt.

“At that time, I wasn’t thinking about football or money. I knew I wasn’t myself anymore. I didn’t want to stay just to earn money; I wanted to enjoy myself on the pitch, and at that stage it wasn’t like that.

“And I knew Moratti didn’t want to let me go; he wanted to send me to a clinic, but I refused. After being called up to the national team, I called Moratti and he released me so I could play for São Paulo.”

Adriano Reiterates Love for Inter Milan

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 11: Adriano of Inter celebrates scoring during the Serie A game between Inter Milan and Sampdoria at the San Siro on March 11, 2006 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by New Press/Getty Images)

Finally, Adriano reflected on the deep affection he still holds for the club that shaped his career and gave him so much.

“When I returned to Inter, I also played some good matches, but it wasn’t the same,” Adriano added. “I lacked joy and desire.

“In 2009, I realized I had to go back to Brazil for good. Moreover, I needed to sort my head out, hoping to fix things in my mind.

“I couldn’t pretend with my teammates. I was no longer interested in playing, and it wouldn’t have been fair to Moratti either, who helped me so much.

“When I come to Italy, I feel a lot of affection toward me, and that gives me immense satisfaction. It hasn’t always been easy. Like all human beings, we can make mistakes, but my life has been full of emotion.

“Inter has always been my second home. Whenever I have the chance to come to Milan, memories of my playing days and the fans come flooding back. I’m happy to be around people who care about me, even supporters of other teams.

“The respect from those who back different colors means a lot to me; they greet me, ask for photos, and that’s truly beautiful for me.”