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MILAN - "I'm proud to be part of the Nerazzurri family, it feels like I've always been here," began Claudio Ranieri after being greeted by thunderous applause at the Inter Club coordinators' annual meeting at the Hotel Melià in Milan.

"We're doing well in the league and the team's morale has picked up but we haven't done anything yet because Inter have to be higher still. What do I promise? Hard work, sacrifice and seriousness. That's possible because I'm fortunate to have a splendid group of talented and determined athletes to work with. We've built a solid base and now we're reaping the rewards from the initial work we put in. I expect tomorrow's match to be tough. Lazio are a tricky team to deal with but we're in good form and we're motivated. We have to keep going and try to catch up with those ahead of us and make things interesting. Why did it take me so long to come to Inter? That's something I've asked myself too... [the coach grinned] But now that I'm here I hope to remain as long as possible. I feel Inter inside."

Before having his picture taken with the coordinators, Ranieri said a few words about Massimo Moratti: "You only have to look at him to see his strong, contagious love for Inter. Moratti is an incredible person. He's always close to the team and he sees them as part of his family."