Inter veteran Hernan Crespo has publicly stated that he’s far from happy with his bit-part role at the San Siro…

As Goal.com stated, the veteran striker may be something of a legend among the nerazzurri faithful, but he’s fallen into disuse of late under coach Roberto Mancini. This is a situation that he’s far from happy with.

“I’ve been generous enough for seven months in trying to hide my sadness at this unusual situation.

“It’s not my teammates’ fault, so I’ve been careful not to behave in a way that could upset them.

“They, and the fans, do all they can to make me feel valuable, but I can’t keep wearing this mask. I’m not happy and there’s no point in trying to hide it.”

Crespo, 32, was injured during the summer, but feels that his treatment since then has been unfair.

“People keep bringing up the injury, but the extent of it isn’t true,” he said.

“I hurt myself in July in the Copa America, but I’m absolutely fine.

“Last season taken into account, I don’t know why I’m playing so little. I thought I’d be involved more.”

Referring to comments from coach Mancini that Crespo was ‘penalised’ by injury and needs to ‘improve’, the Argentine continued, “Mancini’s the first to admit that I’ve been penalised, but a striker needs confidence.

“He says I’ll be there when it matters? If he says so… Personally, I see myself as a player who can help in Serie A, not just the Champions League.

“I hit my involvement record for the season today - 85 minutes of a match. What a shame it’s already February.”