Samardzic: ‘Only one thing hurts’ after goal and collapsed Inter transfer

UDINE, ITALY - JANUARY 20: Lazar Samardzic of Udinese Calcio celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Dacia Arena on January 20, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Udinese star Lazar Samardzic is no longer thinking about a collapsed Inter transfer last summer: ‘The only thing that hurts is that we didn’t win this game.’

The Serbia international gave Udinese the lead against Serie A leaders on Monday night, but the Nerazzurri eventually completed a comeback, securing a 2-1 win at the Bluenergy Stadium.

“We played a good game with the right attitude, and it hurts to concede such a goal in the end,” Samardzic told Sky Sport Italia.

“We must focus on what’s coming next. There are important games remaining and we must earn survival.”

The 22-year-old was on the verge of joining Inter last summer and had even undergone his medical with the Nerazzurri.

However, his entourage failed to reach an agreement with the Serie A giants, so the transfer collapsed and Samardzic returned to Udinese.

Sky Sport noted that the promising midfielder could have been in a very different situation now, celebrating a win and a predictable title with the Nerazzurri.

“I know, but it didn’t happen,” he replied.

“So the only thing that hurts is that we didn’t win this game.”

Inter are 14 points above city rivals in Milan in the Serie A table and could even win the Scudetto in two weeks in the derby della Madonnina.

Udinese are still fighting for survival and are currently two points above the drop zone in Serie A with 28 points in 31 matches.