Internazionale president Massimo Moratti insists his controversial decision to appoint former AC Milan boss Leonardo as Rafael Benitez's successor was not done to provoke his arch-rivals.

GettyImagesInter president Massimo Moratti has urged his players on.

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"We did not choose Leonardo to irritate Milan," Moratti told the Corriere dello Sport. "We chose him because he has talent and can achieve great things with Inter.

"This will be an interesting adventure for him. He has the time to do things properly, I trust Leonardo and I am happy he is with us."

Leonardo was sacked by Serie A leaders AC Milan in April 2010 after struggling at the helm of the Rossoneri, although he did sign off with a 3-0 win over Juventus.

Moratti formerly announced Leonardo's appointment as Inter's head coach on Christmas Eve, despite earlier insisting that he would not be name the new coach until after Christmas.

But Moratti explained: "I thought it nice for the fans to spend Christmas knowing the name of their coach. It seemed to me a good present for them and the supporters certainly deserve it."

Leonardo enjoyed a long playing career at AC Milan and served a term as manager during the 2009-10 campaign so there is much disappointment amongst Rossoneri fans that 41-year-old has agreed to coach their bitter rivals.