Striker Ivan Zamorano
Chilean star to fight for Inter Milan starting place
Posted: Thursday July 23, 1998 01:32 PM
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Zamorano (left) has to compete with Roberto Baggio, Ronaldo (right), Alvaro Recoba, Nwankwo Kanu and Youri Djorkaeff for a spot up front Clive Brunskill/Allsport |
MILAN, Italy (AP) -- Chilean veteran striker Ivan Zamorano said Thursday that he was prepared to fight off tough competition to earn a starting place on Inter Milan's lineup next season.
"I know there are many good forwards on Inter's roster ... but I'm not afraid of the competition ... the coach [Gigi Simoni] knows we can always rely on this old warrior," Zamorano said.
The Chilean striker made his remarks after undergoing medical tests in Milan, before joining his Inter teammates in the Aosta valley, where the Milanteam is preparing for the next Serie A campaign, which starts September 13.
Zamorano, who scored decisive goals for Inter last season even though he was being rotated with other international forwards, welcomed the arrival at Inter of Italian veteran star Roberto Baggio.
"With Baggio we can only improve our chances to win the [league] title and do well in the Champions League," Zamorano said.
Newly-signed Baggio became part of Inter's stellar forward line including Zamorano, Brazilian star Ronaldo, Uruguayan Alvaro Recoba, Nigerian Nwankwo Kanu and Frenchman Youri Djorkaeff.
About Ronaldo, Zamorano said he suffered a lot from the rivalry inside the Brazilian national team.
"I know him, he's a child, he does not want to be a star. I think Brazil lost [the World Cup final to France] because it's a team with too many individual talents and little teamwork," he said.
Zamorano added he was looking forward to next season's duel with his long-time friend and national team partner Marcelo Salas who joined Lazio of Rome.
"Lazio will be one of the toughest title contenders, with Salas leading its offense. However I think Inter still is a better, more motivated team."
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