A true Interista and an eternal champion, farewell Mario

MILAN – There are some people who are simply destined to go down in history, eternal champions and unique talents whom you simply can’t help but adore. Mario Corso was one of these people and forever will be, because no one in the history of football has or ever will be like him. His left foot and his “dead leaf” free kicks helped enchant the entire world: everyone has tried to emulate Mario Corso, and his memory will certainly be handed down to future generations for years to come.

With his socks always rolled up in homage to his idol, Omar Sivori, every one of his entrances to the San Siro pitch was preceded by three taps of his left foot on the first dressing room step before he went out to perform magic with that same left foot on the pitch. Just like he did on 12 May 1965, when Inter had to overturn the semi-final against Liverpool at San Siro, as it was his contribution which paved the way for one of the greatest comebacks in Nerazzurri history. Mario Corso was Inter through and through, so much so that he was dearly adored by fans and opponents alike, being nicknamed “God’s left foot” by Israel’s coach after their match against Italy in 1961. He was also known as Mariolino, an idol and a friend.

On 30 November 1958, his goal against Bologna saw him become the youngest goalscorer in Nerazzurri history, aged 17 years, three months and five days, before going on to star in the “Grande Inter” side. Sincere, direct and never trivial, just like his football. An extremely talented left winger for Inter from 1957 to 1973, playing 502 games in that period and scoring 94 goals with the no.11 on his back. Our captain for three seasons, he won four Scudetti, two European Cups and two Intercontinental Cups, before beginning an even longer Nerazzurri career as a coach and fan, constantly in contact with those who, thanks to him, discovered a new way to play the game. Mario Corso’s way, a style of play appreciated not just by Nerazzurri fans, but by every person around the world who loves this game.

Farewell Mario, we’ll miss everything about you.