Inter director Piero Ausilio defends the sale of youngster Federico Bonazzoli to Sampdoria, and reflects on Davide Santon's return.
Bonazzoli, 17, has been one of the protagonists in the Nerazzurri's Viareggio tournament triumph, making his transfer to Sampdoria – effective from next season, after a six-month loan with il Biscione – appear like a blunder to fans in Milan.
Inter director Piero Ausilio defends the sale of youngster Federico Bonazzoli to Sampdoria, and reflects on Davide Santon's return.
Bonazzoli, 17, has been one of the protagonists in the Nerazzurri's Viareggio tournament triumph, making his transfer to Sampdoria – effective from next season, after a six-month loan with il Biscione – appear like a blunder to fans in Milan.
Nonetheless sporting director Ausilio, who oversaw the operation, has defended his line of action.
“Bonazzoli at that kind of money was an excellent opportunity,” he has said to LaGiovaneItalia.net.
“You must read between the lines. In Inter's new deals there is something like a gentleman's agreement with the clubs that share the ownerships of our boys, like [Lorenzo] Crisetig, [Samuele] Longo, [Marco] Benassi and [Francesco] Bardi.
“We sent them to clubs that would bring out the best in them and let them develop. But we have a purchase clause on all of them.
“We learned from some of our mistakes, and we know that in Italy it isn't easy to develop as a footballer in the right way.
“I don't think we'll have regrets over Bonazzoli. Aside from the excellent relationship we already have with Sampdoria, we have also included a purchase clause in the deal.
“Our Coach [Roberto Mancini] always allowed for the debut of our youth players. [Mario] Balotelli, [Jonathan] Biabiany and [Leonardo] Bonucci, for example, all started under him.
“Now we have [Federico] Dimarco and [Enrico] Baldini in the Europa League squad.
“As for [Davide] Santon, he did everything with [former Inter Coach José] Mourinho. For good and for bad. He showed an astonishing bout of development at first. His results may have been greater than his own abilities.
“Now, after four years in England, in the most fascinating championship and a few injuries, he's back home. As a man.
“You speak to him and you understand he can give to you much more than we could have given to him.
“He must have the chance to make a few mistakes over four years, but always feeling the club's trust behind him.”