Not to be confused with Associação Atlética Internacional (Bebedouro).

Internacional

Full name	Associação Atlética Internacional
Nickname(s)	Leão da Paulista (Paulista Lions)
Founded	1913
Ground	Major José Levy Sobrinho (Capacity: 23,475)
Chairman	Richard Drago
Manager	Valdir Peres
League	Campeonato Paulista A2
2007	Campeonato Paulista A2, 15th
Home colours Away colours

Associação Atlética Internacional, usually known simply as Internacional, or as Inter-SP and Inter de Limeira, is a traditional Brazilian football club from Limeira, São Paulo state.

Contents 1 History 2 Achievements 3 Stadium 4 Idols 5 Famous managers 6 Club colors 7 Anthem 8 Nickname 9 Mascot 10 References 11 External links

[edit] History

On October 2, 1913, at Teatro da Paz (meaning Paz Theater, or Peace Theater) members of an amateur football club called Barroquinha decided to profissionalize their club, and established a monthly fee to be paid by its members and associates. ^[1]

On October 5, 1913 ^[2], Associação Atlética Internacional was officially founded. The club was named after a São Paulo city club named Internacional (not to be confused with the still active Internacional of Porto Alegre). ^[3] According to some fans, the club is named to honor the several immigrant communities in Limeira, like the German, Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese communities. ^[1]

In 1926, Internacional won its first title, the São Paulo Countryside Cup. ^[4]

In 1982, the club disputed the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A for the first time. Inter de Limeira finished in the 23rd position, ahead of big clubs like Cruzeiro and Atlético Paranaense. ^[5]

In 1986, Internacional, managed by Pepe ^[6], won the Campeonato Paulista. It was the first time that a countryside club won the competition. ^[6] In the semifinals, Inter de Limeira beat Santos, and in the final, the club defeated Palmeiras. ^[7]

In 1988, Inter de Limeira won its first national title, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B. In the final four, the club finished ahead of Náutico of Pernambuco state, Ponte Preta of São Paulo state and Americano of Rio de Janeiro state. The club was promoted to the following year's Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. ^[8]

[edit] Achievements

• Campeonato Brasileiro Série B:
  • Winners (1): 1988

• Campeonato Paulista:
  • Winners (1): 1986

• Campeonato Paulista Série A2:
  • Winners (3): 1978, 1996, 2004

• Campeonato Paulista Third Division:
  • Winners (1): 1966

• São Paulo Countryside Cup:
  • Winners (3): 1926, 1947, 1978

• Taça Belo Horizonte de Juniores:
  • Winners (1): 1990

[edit] Stadium

Inter de Limeira's home stadium is Estádio Major José Levy Sobrinho, also known as Limeirão ^[2], inaugurated in 1977, with a maximum capacity of 23,475 people. ^[9]

[edit] Idols

• Éder
• Manguinha
• Paulo Isidoro
• Paulo Silas
• Zé Maria
• Edu Marangon

[edit] Famous managers

• Nelsinho Baptista
• Pepe

[edit] Club colors

Internacional's colors are black and white. ^[2]

[edit] Anthem

The club's anthem was composed by Joel Navarini, and it is called Avante Leão! (meaning Go ahead Lion!). ^[10]

[edit] Nickname

The club is nicknamed Leão da Paulista (meaning Lion of Paulista). The nickname appeared after a match between Internacional and Comercial-Ribeirão Preto of Ribeirão Preto. Comercial is nicknamed Leão, and after a successful trip when the club remained undefeated, the club was beat by Inter de Limeira, which then adopted the nickname. ^[3]

[edit] Mascot

Inter de Limeira's mascot is called Leão, meaning lion. ^[6] He is usually depicted wearing the club's home or away kit. ^[11]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official Site
• Internacional at Arquivo de Clubes
• Internacional at Futebol Interior
• Fansite