Andrea Ranocchia is grateful to Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni for his support.

The defender has been criticised this season.

Ranocchia said: "Last year I spent a lot of time in the gym. As I didn't play very much, I managed to work on building up some muscle.

"It almost felt as if one bad season had wiped out everything good that I'd done in my career up until then, but I started this term well and am enjoying my football. I hope to continue doing so."