Inter Milan Legend Adriano Was Back At The San Siro And Was Humbled By Thunderous Ovation
Inter Milan legend Adriano nearly teared up after being met with an incredible ovation at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
The Brazilian was Inter's special guest for the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against rivals AC Milan and Adriano watched on as Inter ran out 3-0 winners to progress to the final.
Lautaro Martinez, wearing the No.10 Adriano wore with distinction at Inter, scored a brace before Robin Gosens wrapped up the win.
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Adriano was in attendance for a huge Derby della Madonnina clash and received with quite the reception from the adoring Inter supporters.
When he appeared on the big screen as he stood in a box, fans went crazy for 'The Emperor', who blew kisses, waved and had his hand on his heart as he smiled.
The cameras also panned to him when Inter scored their third and Adriano looked like he was having the time of his life.
Adriano is ALL of us after that display pic.twitter.com/1viJyoFrPl
— Inter Xtra (@Inter_Xtra) April 19, 2022
Seeing Adriano like this had me want to cry man. Nobody will ever understand the love I had for this player.. pic.twitter.com/tvLQmzCd07
— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) April 19, 2022
Things you love to see: Adriano back at Inter 💙🖤 pic.twitter.com/C1Ov8ZYS5C
— GOAL (@goal) April 19, 2022
EL EMPERADOR 🔥🇧🇷
— RedGol (@redgol) April 19, 2022
Miren quién llegó a ver el Derby della Madonnina. El histórico Adriano, ese que tenía 1000 de potencia en los videojuegos... 🥴🔥⚽
La infancia de muchos en una sola imagen. 👍🔵⚫ pic.twitter.com/A8CEqQTCVU
After 11 years, Inter returned to a Coppa Italia final. He did it after winning 3-0!! to A.C. Milan. Who was present at the Giuseppe Meaazza? The great Adriano Leite Ribeiro. The Emperor thoroughly enjoyed what will always be his home. SPECIAL RETURN. pic.twitter.com/nioVlyzDef
— KØBÏÑÄ ËSSÄR ÑÏÇÇÒLÒ MÄKÄVËLÏ (@Sarkobina) April 19, 2022
With his sledgehammer of a left foot, Adriano scored 74 goals and registered 27 assists in 177 appearances for Inter, winning four Serie A titles.
His contract with the club was rescinded in 2009 yet Adriano is still fondly remembered by the Nerazzurri faithful and he remains grateful for their support.
"But what I still carry with me today, the thing that still gives me goosebumps is that chant,” he said in the Inter matchday programme, via FCInterNews.
”What confusion, maybe because we support, a player who throws bombs.
"The Inter fans have always made me feel special."
Seeing Adriano in such great spirits is wonderful feeling - especially with the alcohol troubles and depression he experienced following the death of his father.
Fans were worried for him after seeing him drinking beer while on the back of a motorcycle last month.
There was talk in recent years that Adriano was linked to a gang in Rio and he was arrested on drug trafficking charges before later being cleared.
Last year, it was reported that the former Flamengo and Roma man sold his £1.2 million mansion and moved his family into the presidential suite at Grand Hyatt in Barra do Tijuca, an upmarket area in Rio de Janeiro.
He left the majority of his belongings in his house but made sure to bring all of his trophies, medals and other important personal items with him to the hotel.
Topics: Adriano, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Italy
Josh Lawless