Inter Milan Director Explains How They Convinced Ivan Perisic To Stay
REUTERS/Michael Dalder
Italian giants Inter Milan managed to fend off the heavy interest from Manchester United for their Croatian international Ivan Perisic, in what was a long transfer saga that lasted the entire summer window. The Serie A club then convinced the player sign a new five-year deal, which will keep the 28-year-old at the San Siro till 2022.
To win this transfer battle by keeping Jose Mourinho’s side away, and maintaining hold of Perisic was a statement of intent from Inter, who are determined to find their way back in Italy and Europe after years of disdain.
And now, Inter director, Piero Ausilio, has gone on to reveal how the club succeeded in persuading Perisic to stay put at the club rather than moving to England. As per Mediaset Premium, Piero stated that they managed to convince the star player that their project is as good as United’s.
“Perisic still had a few years on his contract. Nobody ever denied that this offer arrived from Manchester United, but we have been working to convince him to stay at Inter and that our project could be just as successful as Manchester,” said Piero.
It was a long battle, as the Europa League winners saw three bids rejected due to Inter holding on their €50m valuation, and Jose finally decided to pull out of the deal. United wanted the former Borussia Dortmund player to help them with his capabilities as an out-and-out winger and give a more direct approach. But it wasn’t to be, and Inter are now benefiting from their decision.
Perisic has already scored 3 goals in just 4 games for his side, as they see themselves third in the table, tied on points with leaders Lazio and Juventus.
Piero went on to add that their star winger’s new deal was a result of their conviction, by stating: “The new contract was a consequence of that and only right. There is no release clause because we did not intend to propose one, nor was it requested by his entourage.”
Written by Rajdeep Saha 
Sports journalist with stints across print, digital and television. Contribution to each medium has been thrilling. Experienced in writing for this passionate game called football. Journalist by choice and passion.