Winter Olympics 2026: Former Inter Milan star Adriano cheers on Brazilian athletes at Milano Cortina - "I hope to be invited more times"

Former Inter Milan and Brazil national football team player, Adriano was the guest at the opening of "Casa Brazil" on Thursday night (5 February) in Milan, where he met with Brazilian athletes participating in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Adriano is back in the Italian city closely tied to his career. The former striker made his name in Italy with FC Internazionale Milano, scoring 48 goals in 123 appearances across two spells with the Serie A club.

Casa Brazil, also known as Brazil House, serves as a hospitality and cultural hub created by the Brazilian Olympic Committee, offering a space to celebrate Brazilian sport, culture and community during the Games.

"For me, it's a pleasure to be back in Italy and to be here, in our Brazilian home, with all the Brazilians," Adriano told the audience.

"It's really great to be here together, celebrating, happy. I hope to be invited more times! Really, I'm just so happy to be able to be with you all."

The 43-year old, who played 48 times for Brazil and scored 27 goals, also took the opportunity to send a message of support to the the country's athletes competing at Milano Cortina 2026.

“I want to wish you lots of luck and lots of peace. May you be able to do your profession with joy.

"And I’m sure you will honour our country, as you always have. I’m here cheering for you! A big kiss, may God bless you. Guys, I’m rooting for you.”

Adriano feels Italy's "love and affection"

Born Adriano Leite Ribeiro in Rio De Janeiro, "The Emperor" started out with local club Flamengo before spending 10 years of his professional life in Italy, playing for various clubs.

Reflecting on his time in the country, Adriano said he feels a lasting connection to the European country.

“I have so many. But above all, I think it’s the love. The love people have had for me, thank God, even now, you know.

"It’s been more than ten years since I stopped playing, and every time I come here to Italy, I’m treated very well.

"So that means I did a good job. But what really matters is the affection and the respect. That will always be engraved in my heart.”

Brazil will field 14 athletes across five disciplines at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games 2026, including Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, six time winner on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit, and three-time Skeleton World Cup podium finisher Nicole Rocha Silveira.

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