Beppe Marotta says he is ‘hopeful’ Inter can shift Mauro Icardi before Monday’s transfer deadline and that Antonio Conte is their ‘best player’.
Inter are paying Conte in the region of €10m a season, but Marotta insists their appointment of the former Juventus Coach is more important than any signing.
“I don’t know how influential a Coach is, but I know that at this level, you must also hire a great Coach from a human perspective,” he told Tuttomercatoweb.
Beppe Marotta says he is ‘hopeful’ Inter can shift Mauro Icardi before Monday’s transfer deadline and that Antonio Conte is their ‘best player’.
Inter are paying Conte in the region of €10m a season, but Marotta insists their appointment of the former Juventus Coach is more important than any signing.
“I don’t know how influential a Coach is, but I know that at this level, you must also hire a great Coach from a human perspective,” he told Tuttomercatoweb.
“We were happy to give up buying a player and invest that money in his salary.
“Certainly he’s Inter’s best player. He costs €20m, but it’s like we’ve bought a €20m player.”
The general manager was then asked about the Icardi saga, with just three days left to get him off the club’s books.
“When we acted, we did so with a conscience and a sense of responsibility.
“The club have the duty and right to choose their stance. They have to make decisions.
“We’re certainly not self-harming. We always act with respect for our players. After that, great difficulties arose.
“There are only three days left, but I still hope that it can be resolved in a positive way.
“We can’t say everything publicly, but we always do things responsibly.”
The Nerazzurri have been among the biggest spenders this summer, so does the 62-year-old envisage any more new faces arriving?
“We’re satisfied with the work we’ve done. I want to take this opportunity to thank sporting director Ausilio because he did a great job with me.
“We’re happy and satisfied with the investments that the club have made. We’re happy to have given Conte a great team, so I don’t think we’ll bring anyone else in.”