Pereira eager for Cluj reunion

Inter midfielder Alvaro Pereira says he has ‘fond memories’ of his time at Cluj as he prepares to face his former employers.

Inter midfielder Alvaro Pereira says he has ‘fond memories’ of his time at Cluj as he prepares to face his former employers.

Inter meet Cluj in the last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday and Pereira, who joined the Romanian outfit in 2008 before being snapped up by Porto a year later, is looking to play a part.

Pereira has yet to cement his place in the first team since signing for Inter last year, but is hoping to feature in the ‘special’ encounter.

“I remember everything from that experience,” Pereira told reporters.

“It was my first European team and I will always have fond memories of them. I left behind team-mates and friends in Romania, so it will be a very special game for me tomorrow.”

Pereira insists he has adapted to life in Milan and is willing to contribute as and how coach Andrea Stramaccioni wishes.

He added: “The important thing is to work for the team and do it in the best way possible.

“The system is not a problem for me as I have played with a three-man defence for Uruguay and have the characteristics to play in a 4-3-3, too.”