Inter director Beppe Marotta insists he respects Milan Skriniar’s decision not to sign a new deal with the Nerazzurri, joining PSG as a free agent and defends Romelu Lukaku.
The Slovakia international will not sign a contract extension with Inter, leaving for PSG as a free agent in the summer.
There were reports that the Ligue 1 giants tried to sign the 27-year-old in the January window, but Inter refused to sell for €10m.
“I don’t want discuss the details, I see the big picture,” Marotta told Sportmediaset before tonight’s Coppa Italia game with Atalanta.
“The world of football is changing continuously, there are no more clubs’ legends and players can change club very quickly. We must become accustomed to this kind of football, which is far from a romantic view of the game.
“Obviously, this is not something we and our fans enjoy, but are dealing with professionals here. Skriniar made a choice and it was his right to do so, so we must respect it.
“We have no doubts about his professionalism and the seriousness he’s always proved. He will be able to prove with facts that he is up to the task with this jersey.”
Inter fans, who had bagged Skriniar to stay at the club less than a month ago, put up a new banner at the Stadio Meazza tonight telling players and club directors that ‘Inter must be love and respected.’
Skriniar is not even on the bench and is watching the match against Atalanta from the stands, while Romelu Lukaku starts. The Belgium international has been struggling with injuries this season and this is only the fifth match he plays from the beginning.
“He is not 100% fit, but in terms of commitment and motivation, he’s been impeccable. For this reason, we can only make a positive assessment of the player, hoping he returns being the one we all know,” concluded Marotta.