Rivas: "They all help me"

"Thanks for the compliments and all the advice. I have improved thanks to Manicni and my team-mates"

APPIANO GENTILE - Central defender Nelson Rivas turned in a polished performance against Juventus in Wednesday's cup tie at the Meazza, earning the compliments of Massimo Moratti, Roberto Mancini and his team-mates.

"Thanks to everyone. I'm really happy at Inter, and everyone has been helping me improve," he told Inter Channel in a telephone interview for the Mix Zone programme.

Rivas is still getting to grips with the Italian language since his summer switch from River Plate. "I'm improving a bit and I go to lessons. I'm working hard on this aspect too."

Nelson is a cheerful young man with a polite nature. Always smiling, the Colombian giant has quickly settled into life at Inter.

"I'm sorry for the draw, but Inter played a great match. We all did well," commented Rivas on last night's 2-2 draw with the Bianconeri.

On his adjustment to the Italian game, Rivas said: "It's different and harder in Italy. The football here is faster. There's less time to think so you have to play quickly, especially us defenders because in the championship and the Champions League we're up against the best defenders in the world.

"It wasn't easy at the start - for obvious reasons, but I feel I have improved since I arrived here. I have learned lots of things from Mancini, the technical staff and my team-mates, who have always given me lots of advice.

"I obviously have a special relationship with Cordoba, but I get on well playing with everyone, including Marco (Materazzi), who talks to me in Italian..."