Inter Names Leonardo As Manager

Leonardo stays at Giuseppe Meazza, but will coach Inter

Leonardo was given another chance to coach at San Siro. It is Inter this time that named the Brazilian as manager after splitting with Rafa Benitez a couple of days ago. Although president Massimo Moratti declared that the name of the new coach would be made on December 27, it was yesterday that a club official website statement read: “Welcome, Leonardo is the coach of Inter.” The 41-year-old manager, who never played for Inter, but spent five years with Rossoneri, is set to train the Giuseppe Meazza side for one season and a half.

Leonardo Nascimento de Arajuo started his player career at Flamengo in 1987 to join Europe four years later. He would sign Valencia at that moment to spend two years in La Liga. Playing also for Sao Paolo, Kashima Antlers and PSG, Leonardo arrived at San Siro in 1997 to spend four seasons with Rossoneri, it was also the best period in his career. He scored 22 goals in 102 appearances for AC Milan. This was also the place where he would retire. Thus, the 2002-03 season was the last one for him.

As manager, Leonardo started his career at the same AC Milan, with whom he won 23 games, had 13 draws and lost 12 last season. However, he failed to lead Rossoneri beyond the last 16 round in UEFA Champions and finished third in Serie A. AC Milan is now top spot in the Italian league with 36 points, while Inter lies seventh 13 points behind, but with two games in hand though.

“We wish Leonardo the very best of luck and are sure that with his class, experience and winning mentality the Club and the team can achieve the results that everyone at Inter and all the Inter fans want to see,” the website posted. Leonardo’s contract runs until June 30, 2012 as no other details have been given.