Samuel Eto'o: Open on a return to Inter

Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o says that he would be open to a return to former club Inter Milan when his deal at Stamford Bridge expires.

The 33-year-old penned a one-year contract with the Blues last summer, meaning that he will be a free agent at the end of the season if his deal is not extended.

Eto'o spent two years in Milan where he played under current boss Jose Mourinho and claimed the UEFA Champions League and Serie A title.

The striker, who has netted 10 goals in all competitions since joining Chelsea, refused to rule out the possibility of moving back to the San Siro despite a change in presidency since his time there.

"If (Massimo) Moratti calls me, why not?" he told Sky Sport Italy.

"I know that Inter has a new president (Erick Thohir) but Moratti is still there."

Eto'o netted the opener as Chelsea secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, beating Galatasaray 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to win 3-1 on aggregate.

The game marked the return of Didier Drogba, who left Chelsea in 2012 having scored 157 goals for the club, and Eto'o says that the Ivorian deserved the warm reception he got as the hosts cruised to victory.

"We made the match easy because we scored early," he said.

"I was very happy for Didier Drogba with the welcome of the fans as he achieved so many nice things here. I wish him the very best."

Asked who he would prefer to face in the last eight, Eto'o replied: "Barca, Real or PSG, even if I am Parisian, I will have to defend Chelsea colours and get through."

Read More»

Ricky Alvarez: Hoping to stay at Inter Milan for many years

Inter Milan midfielder Ricky Alvarez has declared his desire to remain at the club beyond the end of the season.

Alvarez has been with Inter since the summer of 2011 but speculation has suggested that he could soon be set for a move elsewhere.

The Argentina international admits that anything could happen with his long-term future but he envisages staying at the club for several more years.

His immediate priority, though, is to help Inter finish the campaign strongly and push on from their current position in fifth.

"I am thinking only about ending the season well," he told reporters. "For the rest there is my agent and the club.

"I want to continue playing at Inter and I see myself here for many years, then, in football, you never know."

Read More»

Alvarez : Hernanes can make the difference for us

Inter midfielder Ricky Alvarez has hailed the arrival of Hernanes from Lazio, backing the Brazilian to be an instant hit at the Giuseppe Meazza.

The Brazilian joined on deadline day in a €20 million deal, and Alvarez believes the 28-year-old will bring qualities that will make a big difference to Walter Mazzari's side.

"He's a great player, he can play in many roles in midfield. He's someone who could make a difference in any team," he told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Inter face runaway Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday looking to repeat their famous 3-1 victory in November 2012 which brought the Bianconeri's 49-game unbeaten run to an end.

While Alvarez admits his side have undergone significant changes since that victory, he maintains Inter are far closer to Juventus' standard than the current 23-point gap in the Serie A standings suggests.

"I don't think so [that the gap is significant]. They've played together for three years. We have changed coaches and changed systems. We are at the beginning of a project that can give us great satisfaction.

"That match [in 2012] was one of the best in recent years, but it belongs in the past. The situation is different now, although that game should serve to give us conviction. After that, it depends on us and what we do out on the pitch.

"It'll be a great game. Many factors affect the result. Of course, we have to leave the pitch having given everything."

Read More»

Hernanes eyes titles with Inter

Hernanes is targeting a renaissance for the blue half of Milan after sealing his move to Inter.

The Brazil international joined the Nerazzurri from Lazio on deadline day for a fee of around €20 million, ending a four-year spell in the capital.

And the 28-year-old has already set his sights on ending a three-year trophy drought at Inter, who are without a major title since claiming the Coppa Italia in 2011.

"I'm very happy to be here, to be part of Inter,” Hernanes told Sky Italia.

“I expect a challenge and I am ready. [My dream] is to do well, the image I have of Inter a team that has won everything and I hope to help them back to that level."

Read More»

£15m Chelsea target could be heading to Germany

German giants Borussia Dortmund are targeting Inter Milan central defender Andrea Ranocchia in the January transfer window.

In December, The Mirror reported that Chelsea are looking to bolster their central defence and are targeting Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia.

The 25-year-old has made 14 appearances this season and has bagged a goal to his name. His stats are pretty impressive as well. With 26 tackles and 25 interceptions already, he has become one of the key players for the Nerazzurri this season.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has three centre-backs – John Terry, Gary Cahill and David Luiz – at his disposal, and although media reports continue to speculate the Brazilian’s future, it seems highly unlikely that Luiz would be allowed to leave in the January transfer window.

According to reports in Italy, German giants Borussia Dortmund are looking to add a quality defender to their ranks and have targeted the £15m rated Italian defender. Dortmund are missing the services of Subotic and Hummels through injuries and therefore are looking for a defender with similar attributes.

Read More»

Chelsea: Barca rival Blues for ace

Chelsea target Fredy Guarin has been linked with a move to Barcelona.

The Colombian attacking midfielder from Inter Milan has been heavily linked with a move to west London and Chelsea this January transfer window. However, that speculation has started to cool in recent weeks and the former Porto midfielder has now been linked with a move to Barcelona.

Guarin had been waiting for clarification over his future at Inter, where he worked under Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, from new owner Erick Thohir and he was promised a contract renewal last June, according to his agent.

Spanish giants Barcelona have entered the race for Guarin, according to Italian newspaper La Republica, but are yet to lodge an official bid.

Guarin had been interesting his former boss Mourinho who may need to fill a void in midfield should two-time Player of the Year Juan Mata move on. Mata reacted angrily to being substituted recently and has not featured as much as he may have expected under Mourinho this season. The Portuguese boss has told the Spanish international that his door is open should he wish to discuss his position.

Read More»

Lamela agent flies out for Inter Milan talks

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, the agent of Tottenham misfit Erik Lamela has flown to Italy, and will meet with Inter Milan officials in the next few days.

The report (via tuttomercatoweb.com) claims that the Argentine’s agent, Pablo Sabbag, will look to negotiate a loan move to the Nerazzurri for his client during the January transfer window.

The former Roma attacker has endured a miserable start to his Tottenham career, and has only played 331 minutes of Premier League football this season.

Restricted to fleeting cameo appearances, rumours of his discontent have started to do the rounds, and the Gazetta’s report  is the latest in a saga that may well be finished with by the end of January.

Here at Soccerlens, we have followed proceedings closely, and we brought you the news last week that Juve and Atletico were also following the 21-year-old.

Lamela’s personal stance is unclear at this juncture, but it would a surprise if Tottenham supremo Daniel Levy permitted his £30m summer investment to depart in January, even on loan. Known for his tough stance in the transfer window, it would take a particularly tempting deal to even make him look twice.

Inter have little with which to offer Spurs bar straight cash incentives, and it is Chelsea that would surely benefit the most from any deal. With their purchase of Fredy Guarin reportedly at an advanced stage, the Serie A club’s signing of Lamela on loan would surely see the Colombian safely onto the plane for West London.

Read More»

Chelsea and Man United keen to tempt Cambiasso to England

Manchester United and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Esteban Cambiasso's situation at Inter Milan.

The Mirror says new Inter owner Erick Thohir is said to be astonished at their frightening wage bill and has decreed that none of their players should earn more than €2.5million (£2.07m) per year.

This could mean trouble for Cambiasso, 33, who earns £3.7million a year at the Italian giants.

He could walk straight into the arms of former boss Jose Mourinho, under whom he won the 2010 Champions League and a historic Treble, at the Blues or join midfielder-hungry Premier League champions United.

Read More»

Kuzmanovic: I want to stay at Inter

Zdravko Kuzmanovic has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Inter in the January transfer window.

The Serbian midfielder, who joined from Stuttgart last January, has been struggling to secure regular first team action at the Nerazzurri under head coach Walter Mazzarri and has recently been linked with a winter transfer.

However, Kuzmanovic is determined to prove his worth at the club and has revealed that he turned down a number of offers last summer.

"I definitely want to stay because I'm happy here. I know my team-mates and I feel good," the 26-year-old told Sky Sport 24.

"Is it true I turned down moves to England and Germany last summer? Yes, there were a few offers but I didn't want to leave Inter in June and I'm not thinking about it now either.

"I always say that when the gaffer needs me I'm ready. There are lots of us here and only 11 can step onto the pitch, so it's normal the coach should have to make his choices."

Kuzmanovic has made just three Serie A appearances so far this term due to injuries.

The midfielder has a contract with Inter until June 2017.

Read More»

Simeone : It would be an honour to coach Inter

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has stated that it would be an "honour" to take charge of Inter.

Simeone played for Inter between 1997 and 1999 and helped them to a Uefa Cup triumph in 1998.

The Argentine has since guided Atletico to glory in the Europa League, Super Cup and Copa del Rey after taking over the club in 2011, but did add he has no desire to leave his current post just yet.

"Inter? It would be an honour," Simeone told Il Giornale. "But for now, all that talk is left to the newspapers.

"I see myself at Atletico Madrid for some time yet. Some say I might become the (Alex) Ferguson of the Colchoneros."

Atletico are level on points with La Liga leaders Barcelona going into the second half of the season and Simeone, who won the Spanish title as a player with Atletico in 1996, has his eye on repeating the feat as a coach.

"It would be stupid not to think about that (winning the league)," Simeone added. "Especially in light of the league position."

Read More»

Serie A giants interested for Mata

Inter keeping tabs on Mata


Inter are closely monitoring the situation of Chelsea's Juan Mata as they are looking to add some more creativity to their squad.

Juan Mata is not playing much from Mourinho has come and probably will try to not ruin his career by moving somewhere else.

Inter , 4th in Serie A this season , since new President come , is looking for possible Top player signings.

Read More»

Cagliari: No Nainggolan deal with Roma

Cagliari sporting director Nicola Salerno has rubbished rumours that the club have agreed to sell Radja Nainggolan to Roma.

The Belgium international is widely expected to leave the Sant'Elia during the January transfer window and has been reportedly attracting interest from traditional Serie A heavyweights Juventus, Inter and AC Milan.

It has been reported that Roma have also entered the race after a meeting between Cagliari president Massimo Cellino and Roma director of football Walter Sabatini but Salerno insists that it was nothing more than a chance encounter.

"There is no agreement," the Rossoblu official told ASRomaRadio.it. "Cellino and Sabatini have spoken with one another in general terms and I can tell you that they met at the airport by accident. This story was born of that.

"But there is nothing concrete in relation to Nainggolan. We have not started any negotiations with Rome. I do not know to what extent the Giallorossi are interested in the player.

"We are not in a position to give an answer [to that question]. We have started several negotiations and within 10-15 days we will be able to give you a definitive answer.

"It can't even been said that we will give him away. For the moment, there is nothing concrete; I can assure you of that 100 percent."

Read More»

Mazzarri: I want to make Inter competitive again

Walter Mazzarri says his target for 2014 is to make Inter fans feel like their side is competitive again.

Since winning an unprecedented treble in Italy under Jose Mourinho in 2010, the Nerazzurri have failed to come close to those heights and stumbled to a ninth-placed finish in Serie A last season, meaning they missed out on European qualification.

However, having seemingly turned a corner in this campaign - Inter sit fifth after a 1-0 win over city rivals AC Milan - Mazzarri is hoping to return the club to its former glories, even though he admits it will be difficult journey.

“What do I expect from the New Year? I never see a smooth road when it comes to these things,” Mazzarri told Sky Sport Italia.

“I would like 2014 to follow the same path that other good years did. I hope the year will be a good one for Inter fans.

“I do not like to make predictions, but I can say we will give our all so Inter fans can feel competitive - just as they did in the old days."

Despite being linked with Chelsea striker Demba Ba in recent weeks, Mazzarri remained tight-lipped about potential targets in the January transfer window.

“The club know about our transfer market possibilities and the budget. I will listen to what the President will say and then I will give my opinion," he continued.

The Inter coach, who arrived at San Siro from Napoli in the summer, admits the success of his tenure at the club will be judged solely on results.

Mazzarri continued: “I like Spanish football. I like their mentality - they think more about performances than results. Unfortunately in Italy things are assessed only by results.

“When looking at it that way I can say that we could have four or five more points at this stage of the season."

Read More»

Guarin confirms agent talks with Chelsea

Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin has confirmed his agent has held talks with Chelsea over a move to Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho’s side have edged ahead of Manchester United in the race for the 27-year-old and are prepared to pay up to €15 million for the midfielder.

United have already sent representatives to Italy to discuss a deal for the Colombia international, who insists he is open to staying with the Serie A club.

"I can not deny there is something, I haven’t spoken with Mourinho but my agent did,” Guarin told reporters.

“However, I hope Inter consider my will to stay."

Guarin has made 17 Serie A appearances for Inter this season and set up Rodrigo Palacio's late winner in the derby against AC Milan on Sunday evening.

Read More»

Zanetti: Inter want to make derby history

Javier Zanetti has demanded that Inter put in maximum effort to seal Derby della Madonnina victory against AC Milan on Sunday.

The Nerazzurri captain underlined the significance of the game, stating that win would serve as a timely boost for everyone connected with the club after last weekend's 4-2 defeat at Napoli.

"The game affects the whole city; it's a game that makes history and if you win it you send out a strong message," the 40-year-old defender told Rai Sport.

"Unfortunately, we lost to Napoli and now we'll have to cope without [Ricardo] Alvarez [through suspension]. But we'll do everything we can to put on a top performance and get back to winning ways.

"[We'll do that] by pulling out all the stops, not leaving anything to chance and playing with heart. We must be really alert and focused."

Inter are currently fifth in Serie A, six places and nine points above Milan, but Esteban Cambiasso insists that form counts for nothing in this fixture.

"It doesn’t matter much. The derby is the derby and goes beyond these kinds of things," the midfielder stated.

"The derby is a different game from any other. It’s always special for us and AC Milan, and we’ll try to do everything we can to try and bring joy to our fans."

Read More»

Zanetti: I could return this month

Inter captain Javier Zanetti has revealed that he could make his eagerly-awaited return before the end of the month.

The Nerazzurri legend has been out of action since suffering an Achilles injury in April and there were those that questioned whether the Argentine would ever play again.

However, Zanetti, who turned 40 in August, says that his comeback is now not too far away.

"I am recovering well," the versatile defender told Exclusivo24. "I am training with the group and I hope to return to play soon.

"I want to take it slowly, quietly, without any rush. Could I return in December or January? Before then, I think ..."

Zanetti also insisted that he has not yet given any thought to whether he will call time on his career next summer.

"I don't think about it at the training camp," the Buenos Aires native explained. "I'm just thinking about recovering from the injury and returning to play."

Zanetti, who was capped 145 times by his country, joined Inter from Banfield in 1995.

Read More»

Mazzarri : Roma are the favourites to win the title

Inter boss Walter Mazzarri has played down the significance of his side's recent defeat to Roma and says the capital club can go all the way in their bid to take Juventus' league crown.

The Nerazzurri were humiliated 3-0 by Rudi Garcia's men on home soil two weeks ago, with the Giallorossi now five points clear at the top with eight wins out of eight.

"It's normal to suffer a little playing against a Roma of that quality," the 52-year-old told reporters ahead of Sunday's clash with Torino. "They look like a team with a top coach. They have every chance of going all the way."

"We lost the game but we didn't play all that badly. Torino have also picked up fewer points than they deserve so far this season. It's going to be another big test for us.

"I'm confident we can put on a good performance. I'd like us to be more clinical and make the most of situations in the final third."

Ricky Alvarez is unavailable for the trip to the Stadio Olimpico, but Mazzarri does not believe under-fire midfielder Fredy Guarin is a suitable replacement in a more advanced position.

"[Mateo] Kovacic is one possibility but I must say it's a shame Alvarez isn't fit," he continued. "In any case I'm confident about whoever comes in to replace Ricky.

"Guarin in the hole? I tried that out [on pre-season tour] in the States. With the attributes he has, he could find it hard receiving the ball in a certain way.

"I wouldn't rule anything out between now and May but it would be wrong to confuse him by giving him a different job to do right now."

Read More»

VIDEO : Inter vs Juventus 1-1 [ HIGHLIGHTS ]

It scores first Icardi for Inter F.C ,but  less than 5minutes later , Juventus draw with A.Vidal.

Read More»

Inter vs Juventus Preview

Match Date/Time: Saturday, 6 p.m. local

Venue: San Siro, Milan, Italy

Inter injuries and suspensions

Out: Cristian Chivu, Javier Zanetti (injured). In doubt: None.

Juventus injuries and suspensions

Out: Claudio Marchisio, Martín Cáceres (injured). In doubt: Simone Pepe.


Inter : Samir Handanovič; Juan Jesus, Andrea Ranocchia, Hugo Campagnaro; Yuto Nagatomo, Mateo Kovačić, Esteban Cambiasso, Fredy Guarín, Jonathan; Ricky Álvarez; Rodrigo Palacio

Juventus: Gianluigi Buffon; Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli; Kwadwo Asamoah, Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Stephan Lichtsteiner; Fernando Llorente, Carlos Tévez

Read More»

Buffon : Inter can challenge for the title

Juventus legend , Buffon has warned his team to not underestimate Inter this weekend.

Inter had to settle for ninth spot in the league table last season, but they have looked strong in the opening weeks of the 2013-14 campaign and the Italy skipper feels they could challenge his side title under new boss Walter Mazzarri.

"We do respect Inter , but we're going to win that match. " says Buffon to the reporters.

"With a great coach like Mazzarri and the advantage that they can focus on Serie A, Inter are a force to be reckoned with in Serie A."

"Inter will be around all year and could make life difficult for the teams challenging for the title."

The derby of Italia will be played this week-end , Saturday at 18:00CET

Read More»