Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti reveals he held talks with Lionel Messi when the Argentinean star left Barcelona but the Serie A giants ‘could not compete economically’ with PSG or Premier League clubs.
Messi left Barcelona at the end of his contract in 2021, joining Ligue 1 giants PSG on a free transfer.
His compatriot Zanetti tried to secure his signature that summer, but could not match the offer made by PSG.
“I was surprised when he [Messi] left Barcelona,” Zanetti told DAZN, as quoted by Calciomercato.com.
“Realistically, we cannot compete with PSG or Premier League clubs, but due to our rapport, we spoke when there was a chance.”
The Nerazzurri beat Milan in the Derby della Madonnina on Sunday, securing their second win in 20 days against their city rivals.
They sit second in the Serie A table, but are 13 points below runaway leaders Napoli who lost their only game of the season against Inter at the Stadio Meazza in January.
“We could have done more in the league, we miss some points, but it’s part of a path that this team is consistently carrying out,” noted the ex-defender.
“Mistakes are normal with such a packed fixture list, but I’ve always seen a team that wants to impose its style, trying to cause trouble for opponents.
“We’ve been able to react to difficulties and I find that some criticism has been exaggerated.”
Zanetti inevitably touched on Skriniar’s contract extension: “We offered him a contract within our financial reach, but he made a different choice. Now we need to put him in the best condition to give his best until the end of the season.”
Matteo Darmian, on the other hand, signed a new deal with the Nerazzurri last week.
“He is a symbol of Inter, he is quiet, committed and always ready to help the team.”