‘Stronger’ than Ibrahimovic: Julio Cesar reveals Arnautovic-Mourinho chat

“Mourinho told me that when Arnautovic arrived, he asked for a meeting to say that he should have played in place of Ibrahimovic. He said: ‘I’m stronger than him.'” Julio Cesar told Gazzzetta.

Arnautovic had won the treble that season and returned to Inter more than ten years later in 2023.

“I hope he can win another treble,” said his former teammate.

“When you reach this level, you can dream. Furthermore, the win over Bayern Munich was a nice boost. They can reach the semis.”

Inter beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this week, prompting Italian media to compare Simone Inzaghi with Mou.

“Everyone has their way of working,” Julio Cesar argued.

“I can’t make comparisons because I’ve never played under Simone, but tactically, José is more defensive.”

Is Inter keeper Yann Sommer underrated?

“A little bit. He’s not talked about enough, but he’s a certainty,” said Julio Cesar.

“Before games, Mourinho used to tell me: ‘I’ll need you once or twice, make sure you’re ready.’ And I was, just like Sommer.”

The former Brazilian keeper also discussed the upcoming Club World Cup, in which many of his former clubs will participate.

“I hope one of Inter, Flamengo and Benfica [will win it],” he said.

The ideal final would be “Inter-Flamengo, but I hope for a draw.”

How about the top scorer?

“Easy. Lautaro Martinez. If I have to name a surprise, I’ll go for Gerson. Very strong,” Julio Cesar concluded.