Inter's Cambiasso hopeful of quick recovery

Midfielder Esteban Cambiasso says he remains hopeful he will be fit to help new club Inter Milan qualify for the Champions League next month.

The Argentine international, who earlier this week signed a four-year deal with the Serie A giants after his contract with Real Madrid expired, is recovering from an ankle injury sustained at the end of last season.

"I haven't starting kicking a ball yet, but I believe I'll be ready well before Inter's first official match in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League," Cambiasso was quoted as saying on Inter's website on Saturday.

Inter qualified for the third qualifying round which will be played next month with the first leg on August 10 or 11 and the second on August 24 or 25. The draw will be held on July 30.

Cambiasso is Inter's third close-season signing following the arrivals of fellow Argentine Juan Sebastian Veron on loan from Chelsea and defender Giuseppe Favalli from Lazio as the club try to win their first Serie A title since 1989.

The 23-year-old told his personal website: "I chose Inter because they are one of the biggest clubs in the world."

"It wasn't easy to find a club that would fulfil my expectations after playing for Real Madrid but when Inter spoke to me I had no doubts."

Cambiasso's injury to his right ankle prevented the defensive midfielder, who has seven caps, from being included in Argentina's squad for the Copa America starting on Tuesday.

He was signed by Real Madrid while a trainee at Argentinos Juniors and has also played on loan for Independiente and River Plate in his homeland.