MILAN // The Inter Milan striker Adriano is determined to prove he is back to his best after a difficult year. Adriano has been in impressive form since returning to Italy following a six-month loan spell with Sao Paulo in his native Brazil, where he was sent to rediscover his form and fitness. He admits he is yet to live up to his nickname "L'Imperatore" (The Emperor) but is delighted with his progress.
"No, L'Imperatore hasn't returned, but he is returning," Adriano said. "Little by little, working with calm and humility. I am very happy because things are going well, but I can't sit back now." Adriano, 26, scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over Ajax on Saturday and linked up well with his strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He hopes the pairing can blossom in Serie A next season, starting with Inter's opener against Sampdoria on Aug 30.
He added. "The partnership with Ibra? We have to work a lot more, but I like pairing up with him. Last season we didn't play much together. I hope we can do so more this season to help the team win something important." Meanwhile, the Lyon right-back Francois Clerc has been ruled out of action for up to six months. The France international, 25, limped off during Les Gones' 3-0 opening day win over Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Sunday and a scan revealed he has ruptured anterior ligaments in his left knee.
* Agencies
