Ivan Cordoba signs autographs in Mqabba, yesterday.Ivan Cordoba signs autographs in Mqabba, yesterday.

Ivan Ramiro Cordoba patiently signed autographs and posed for photos with scores of beaming youngsters who are taking part in a charity tournament at the pitches of the Mqabba FC nursery.

The former Inter stalwart, winner of a plethora of honours, including the famous 2010 treble of Champions League, Serie A and Italian Cup during his 13-year stint with the Nerazzurri, yesterday began a two-day visit to Malta after accepting the invitation of Technoline Ltd, distributors of medical, scientific, laboratory, hospital and rehabilitation equipment, to be the guest of honour during the annual cycling marathon, organised by the San Ġorg Preca Lyceum for Boys in Ħamrun.

The objective of the three-day marathon, which got underway on Friday, is to raise awareness and funds to provide schools and other child-focused organisations with life-saving automated external defibrillators.

Says Nerazzurri are playing better under Mancini

Cordoba, who today will oversee two training sessions for children at the Luxol and Melita FC grounds, was accompanied by Felice Natalino, a former Inter trainee whose burgeoning career was cut short by cardiac problems.

Cordoba was visibly pleased with the warm welcome he received in Mqabba.

“For me, it’s a great pleasure to be with you today,” Cordoba told a news conference. “This is my third visit here and every time I come to this magnificent country, I’m delighted with the affection you always show towards me.

“I’m also happy to see the joy of the children who are playing in this tournament. They are experiencing the passion of playing the game and is the best feeling you can have.

“On behalf of my foundation, Fundaciòn Colombia te quiere ver, I want to thank the organisers and sponsors of the bicycle marathon for inviting me to be part of this.

“I’m also grateful to Inter Club Pupi Zanetti Malta, especially president Paul (Fenech), for they have always tried to involve my foundation and make their own contribution to enhance the lives of underprivileged children in Colombia.”

Speaking to The Sunday Times of Malta, Cordoba said Inter are rediscovering their identity since Roberto Mancini succeeded Walter Mazzarri in November.

Winning mentality

Asked if Inter are expressing their qualities better under Mancini, Cordoba replied: “A lot better. Inter are more purposeful in their approach and the players probably feel more at ease playing this way.

“A club like Inter have to be purposeful. Granted, they have to take the necessary measures and respect the opposition but Inter must go into games with a winning mentality.”

The 38-year-old, who left his backroom staff role with the Serie A giants last September, said he was spending more time with his family since bringing the curtains down on his illustrious career in 2012.

“I’m living a tranquil life,” he said.

“I’m enjoying my family. I’m also following Colombian football more closely, particularly the young players in our country. Colombia has a bright future with all the upcoming players that are coming through.”

Cordoba saluted Natalino who retired from football in 2013, aged only 21, after having heart surgery.

“It’s a joy for me to meet Felice Natalino here,” the former Colombia captain remarked.

“I hadn’t seen him for a while. I had followed his progress at Inter. Felice was a talented youngster but, above all, he has a great spirit.”

Natalino immediately returned the compliment. “The honour is mine,” the 22-year-old said.

“You expect this kind of respect from Ivan Cordoba because he’s always humble but for me, it’s a great privilege to align myself with people like him.

“As a player, I didn’t have the same success as Cordoba. I had a negative experience but one that helped to me to grow as a person.

“I’m happy to be here and be associated with this marathon.”

Also present for yesterday’s news conference was Chris Agius, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport, who thanked Cordoba for his co-operation and the patience he showed in mixing with the locals and signing a multitude of autographs during his visit in Mqabba.

Nicky Sammut, from Technoline, the chief sponsors of the cycling marathon, appealed to the public to contribute to this fund-raising event as this would enable the organisers to purchase more defibrillators that can save lives.

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