Inter have released their own statement countering the ‘unacceptable, extremely serious and without basis in truth’ allegations made by Sporting CP in the Joao Mario to Benfica saga.
“FC Internazionale Milano is aware of the statement released to the media by Sporting Clube de Portugal.
“The comments are unacceptable, extremely serious and – most importantly – without basis in truth.
“The club will protect its image and reputation in the relevant forums.”
It comes after Sporting accused Inter and Joao Mario of trying to evade the €30m penalty clause signed in 2016, which stated they would have to pay up if the player joined another Portuguese club.
In order to get around it, Inter terminated their contract with the midfielder by mutual consent.
He was then free to sign for Benfica, who had offered circa double the figure Sporting proposed to sign Joao Mario.
The player spent last season on loan at Sporting Lisbon, but wanted to join their rivals Benfica instead.
Inter paid €40m to sign Joao Mario from Sporting in 2016 and he proved to be an extraordinary flop, one they have been struggling to get off their books for several years.
📄 | STATEMENT
FC Internazionale Milano statement.
👉 https://t.co/NJbd7NzROG pic.twitter.com/IAl66Vc1fN
— Inter 🏆🇮🇹 (@Inter_en) July 13, 2021