Marco Materazzi has revealed his belief that he perhaps only stayed at Inter beyond 2006 because he had just won the World Cup.
The now-retired centre-back was strongly linked with an exit from the Nerazzurri at the end of the 2005-06 campaign, but has revealed why he sees that he was eventually able to see out his career at Pinetina.
“Yes, during the 2005-06 season, the year we won the World Cup in Germany,” admitted Materazzi today to fcinternews.it when asked if rumours of an exit at the time were true.
Marco Materazzi has revealed his belief that he perhaps only stayed at Inter beyond 2006 because he had just won the World Cup.
The now-retired centre-back was strongly linked with an exit from the Nerazzurri at the end of the 2005-06 campaign, but has revealed why he sees that he was eventually able to see out his career at Pinetina.
“Yes, during the 2005-06 season, the year we won the World Cup in Germany,” admitted Materazzi today to fcinternews.it when asked if rumours of an exit at the time were true.
“Was it to Bologna? No, with them there was nothing concrete. I was very close to Villarreal, but luck remained and we all know how that season ended.
“It was Marco Branca who was the first person to carry out negotiations. Everything went on without my consent, because it was definitely not my intention to leave Inter.
“During the training retreat in preparation for the World Cup, I was, in practice, sold to Villarreal, but after the victory in Berlin, I immediately became indispensable.
“The decision in the end to stay, was made in part by me and in part by the club. I spoke with Massimo Moratti and in the end we decided to continue together.
“Let’s say that once I became world champion, it was easier for the club to keep me.”