Inter won the race for Davide Frattesi this summer but the Italian midfielder suggests that he’d ‘already chosen’ the club over 18 months ago.
The 23-year-old midfielder left Sassuolo this month to join the Nerazzurri on a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy clause attached, worth around €38m total.
A long list of clubs were interested in signing Frattesi this summer including Juventus and Roma, but Inter won out after focusing their efforts on the 23-year-old and presenting a more convincing offer.
Speaking to DAZN via Calciomercato.com from the pre-season retreat in Japan, Frattesi first discussed how things are going in Tokyo.
“I arrive at this training camp with enthusiasm, everything is beautiful. We work hard, but that’s okay, the more effort you put in now, the better off you are during the season.”
He revealed that he’d long chosen Inter before making the move this month.
“Actually, already a year and a half ago, after the 2-0 at San Siro, what a stadium… When I later learned of their concrete interest, I had already chosen.”
The 23-year-old spoke about how it’ll feel to line up alongside Nicolo Barella.
“We already have a place nearby, then we also have the same character and I think we’ll get on well. In my opinion Nicolò is the best midfielder in Italy and I hope he continues like this in order to give us a big hand.”
He reflected on his relationship with Sassuolo coach Alessio Dionisi.
“He was fundamental to me, I thanked him and all of Sassuolo. They helped me a lot, especially in difficult times.”
Frattesi discussed his relationship with his new coach Simone Inzaghi.
“I had met him in Sardinia when the transfer wasn’t complete yet, but I had already confirmed that I wanted to come here. We are both happy with this marriage.
“Has it helped to convince me? Definitely yes, but I can’t reveal what he had told me in that match. I certainly understood how much Inter wanted me.”
He was asked which Inter teammates welcomed him first.
“Bastoni was the first, then Barella and Darmian. But then everyone, we had already talked about it in the national team. Everyone had told me that it’s good here and I can confirm.”
Finally, Frattesi was asked to give his expectations for the coming 2023-24 season.
“I dreamed about it, but I can’t tell you. I’ll tell you at the end of the year.”