My Inter can beat Man U: Mourinho

Updated on: 13 January,2009 08:53 AM IST |
PA Sport |

Jose Mourinho hailed Manchester United as the best team in the world but insisted his Inter Milan side can win their Champions League last-16 tie.

Jose Mourinho

The former Chelsea boss welcomes Sir Alex Ferguson's United to the San Siro for the first leg on February 24, with the second match at Old Trafford two weeks later.

He told MUTV: "I always had big, big, big respect (for United). That's why I remember my time with Porto here as one of the most important for me, because we beat such an amazing club and that's why I'm so excited to play with Inter Milan against Man Utd.

It's different
"When I said 'I want Man Utd', some people maybe thought 'this guy is crazy' because he wants the top team but I want it because they are the top, because it's difficult and because it's special and for my team and my players, it's a different thing.

"We can win it. We know Man Utd is a special team with special players. You look at how solid they are in defence and how dangerous they are in attack.

"You look to the dug-out and you see the talent is there; I look behind me, and even Nani is behind me," the Portuguese said.

"But Inter is a clever and intelligent team with a lot of experience. We have some talent and we know how to play the game, so I think it will be a close match."

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