Quaresma: My worst season in football
442 Staff - Thursday 02 July 2009, 17:04
Inter Milan winger Ricardo Quaresma, who spent six undistinguished months on loan at Chelsea last campaign, has candidly admitted that 2008/09 was his worst season in football.
Having failed to impress at Inter, the Portuguese was shipped out to the Blues in January but was unable to rediscover the form that persuaded Jose Mourinho to sign the winger from Porto last summer.
In a frank interview with Portugoal, the 25-year-old was heavily critical of his performances last term, brandishing his displays as ‘terrible’ in both Milan and London.
“I think it was the worst time I’ve had in terms of playing, being an option, being trusted. It was the worst moment I have gone through.”
Despite Inter's title triumph, the former Porto winger regards himself as undeserving of the medals that came his way. However, Quaresma refutes claims from Mourinho that his poor pre-season was to blame for his faltering form last campaign.
“I don’t consider myself a champion. I had a very bad pre-season. It was stressful and there was some anxiety because I didn’t know if I was moving or not, but this is no excuse for anybody.”
Having had an underwhelming spell at Barcelona earlier in his career before returning to Portugal, Quaresma seems determined to rediscover his form next season and is eager to force he way into the Nerazzurri first tem after only making 13 appearances in 2008/09.
“It’s important to take responsibility and I have no problem admitting that I had a bad season. I am ready to face the new season and I know that I am going to return to normal.”