Inter Milan hero Ivan Cordoba admits he came close to joining Real Madrid during his career.

Cordoba revealed to Affaritaliani.it that an offer came from Real when he was with the Nerazzurri.

“I had the strength to say 'no thank you, I want to stay here and continue to fight to win," he recalled.

“When you're here and you feel everything that's transmitted by the club and the fans, it's easy."

Cordoba has worked in the front office at Inter after retirement.