Francesco Moriero, the former Inter Milan midfielder, has reflected on the origins of his iconic 'shoe-shine' goal celebration, a gesture that has recently been revived by current Nerazzurri players. The celebration, which involves mimicking the polishing of a teammate's boot, first occurred spontaneously during Inter's 2-1 win over Brescia on August 31, 1997, following a decisive brace by Alvaro Recoba. According to Moriero, the act was an instinctive tribute to a teammate's important contribution and became a signature celebration for that Inter squad throughout the season.
Speaking in an interview, Moriero confirmed there was nothing premeditated about the gesture. "I was a fantasista, a creative player," he said. "And for that reason I had to invent something off the pitch too. Of course, I didn't think that gesture would literally go around the world." The celebration has seen a resurgence this season, with Inter's Benjamin Pavard performing it for Federico Dimarco after a goal against Torino, and Yann Bisseck repeating it for Denzel Dumfries in a match against Empoli.
Moriero expressed his pleasure at seeing the celebration endure, noting it has become a global phenomenon observed in various leagues. "Obviously it makes me happy, especially if it's done by Inter players," he stated. "But it's a gesture that is now known everywhere." He added that while the modern iterations honor him and that historic Inter team, the original context was unique. "It's a historic gesture that has remained in the minds of all the Nerazzurri fans. Of course, polishing Ronaldo's shoes was another thing," Moriero joked, referencing the legendary Brazilian striker who was the marquee signing of that 1997 summer.
The former winger also drew parallels between his playing style and that of current Inter left-back Federico Dimarco, who has become the all-time Serie A assist leader from a defender. "He has always shown he is an important player on that flank with his crosses," Moriero said. "We're talking about someone who sees the play before others, a player I've always liked." Moriero, who operated as a right-sided wing-back in a 3-5-2 under Carlo Mazzone at Roma before joining Inter, noted a shared preference for creating goals over scoring them.
Turning to the present, Moriero declared the Serie A title race already over in favor of his former club. "Inter have already won the scudetto," he asserted. "I hope it happens already on Sunday, but the final result in my opinion is not in question." Inter require just one point from their final five matches to mathematically secure the league title, potentially as early as this weekend in the derby against AC Milan. Moriero remains in close contact with his teammates from the 1997-98 season, a bond that has lasted nearly three decades, through a group chat where they still discuss matches and, fittingly, celebrations.
