Inter Milan’s new signing Geoffrey Kondogbia has revealed that a talk with Roberto Mancini persuaded him to join Inter Milan ahead of Arsenal FC.
France international midfielder signed a five-year contract with Inter Milan who signed him from Monaco for a whopping A?28million.
The player was subject of heavy interest from Arsenal FC as well as AC Milan, according to reports, but, chose to reject both the clubs to join Roberto Mancini at Inter Milan.
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He has now revealed exactly what made him chose the Italian team that is not even in the Champions League over Arsenal FC.
“It’s a dream realised, since I was a baby I was watching them (Inter Milan) on TV. Now I’m part of this great club so I’ll do the best I can. I immediately felt the enthusiasm of the fans and it’s a pleasure for me. I hope that we will do great things for them.”
“Mancini? I talked to him a week ago and his speech convinced me. I could not say no to a team like Inter.”
Arsenal FC have been devoid of a strong defensive midfielder since Patrick Vieira left the club in 2005, with the likes of Flamini and Song playing well at times, but, no one coming even close to the consistency and quality that the best players in the position would bring.
Arsene Wenger has been on the look out to sign a player who could fill that role. After Arsenal FC had lost to AS Monaco in the Champions League, Jamie Redknapp in the Sky studio had said, a Kondogbia was incredible for Monaco, he was exactly the player Arsenal FC needed to sign.a
Well, it is quite a coup that Inter Milan pulled off right under the noses of Arsenal FC, with Geoffrey Kondogbia choosing them despite lack of European football. Roberto Mancini does work his charm on players, isn’t it?