Author: Crazy

Erick Thohir says the Nerazzurri must allow their captain to choose his next step but is open to prolonging the Argentine’s stay at San Siro

Inter president Erick Thohir has confirmed that he will not stand in the way of Javier Zanetti’s proposed summer transfer to Chelsea.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho – who knows the Argentine from his time in charge of the Nerazzurri – is reportedly prepared to offer the Argentine a one-year deal that would then lead to a permanent coaching role.

Thohir revealed his respect for the club captain and said the decision is entirely down to Zanetti.

“I met the captain two months ago, it’s his decision,” Thohir told reporters. 

“He is a legend and we will respect any decision he makes. If he wants to continue or become a director then we will discuss it in the coming months.”

The 35-year-old, who signed from Banfield in 1995, was promoted to club captain in 1999 and boasts five Scudetto titles and a Champions League medal amongst a sizeable haul of silverware.

Zanetti is also Argentina’s most-capped player in history with 145 international appearances.

The Nerazzurri president Erick Thohir has revealed he expects significant progress on the deal with the Manchester United captain to be made in the near future

Inter president Erick Thohir has revealed that Nemanja Vidic’s summer move to the Serie A club could be announced in the next few days.

Earlier this month Goal revealed the Serb had informed Manchester United of his intention to join the Nerazzurri, at the end of the season, and Thohir confirmed on Thursday that the deal was “90 per cent done”.

And Thohir has now revealed he expects significant progress to be made in the coming days as Inter close in on their first summer signing.

Thohir said: “With Vidic we bring experience: he is after all Manchester United’s captain. In the next few days we will know if it will happen, it would be a great thing.

“I won’t make announcements to ruin the relationship with the club, it will arrive when it’s done.

“Vidic tied to marketing? All of the decisions are collective; when we think of building a team we think of the pitch but also marketing.

“If we can have him it would be good since he is famous in Asia. The Premier League is the top in Indonesia, the player would add value to the club.”

Vidic may not be the only veteran to depart Old Trafford as David Moyes continues his remodelling of the United squad, with fellow veterans Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs also out of contract this summer.

The experienced defender has dismissed suggestions that the Argentine forward is losing the support of his team-mates

Inter defender Hugo Campagnaro has laughed off rumours that there’s a problem between Mauro Icardi and Diego Milito, after the former posted a video on his official Twitter account in which someone tears up a photo of the latter.

Icardi has been unable to impress on the pitch since his summer move from Sampdoria to Inter, but has made negative headlines a number of times for his social media activities.

Nevertheless, Campagnaro has insisted that there’s no truth in the rumours saying the Inter players have had enough of the 21-year-old’s behaviour.

“I don’t think it caused any problems in the dressing room,” Campagnaro told Mediaset.

“Diego’s not bothered, also because I think all this was blown out of proportion. It’s something that was done with no malice intended.

“Advice for Mauro? I don’t believe I have any. He turned 21 and knows what he can and can’t do. He knows how the world of football works.”

Icardi has made nine Serie A appearances so far this term, scoring three goals in the process.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men face off against Brendan Rodgers’ side, while David Moyes’ Red Devils will face Serie A sides Inter and Roma

Premier League trio Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have announced their 2014 Guinness International Champions Cup fixtures, with the latter two sides facing each other on July 30 in New York.

Manuel Pellegrini’s outfit will take on Brendan Rodgers’ men at Yankee Stadium in Group B, while David Moyes’ side take on Italian duo Inter and Roma in Group A.

United take on the Giallorossi at Denver’s Sports Authority Field on July 26, before travelling to Washington DC to face the Nerazzurri at the FedEx Field on July 29. Their game against Real Madrid has yet to be scheduled.

Manchester United group managing director Richard Arnold said: “These two matches against strong opposition will provide David Moyes and his team with valuable preparation for the 2014-15 season.

“The team last played in Washington DC in 2011 and the match against Barcelona was extremely well supported. This will be the team’s first visit to Denver and we are excited to meet our fans in this city for the first time.”

Liverpool’s summer excursion to the US will be the second of Rodgers’ Anfield career, with Olympiakos first up in Group B at Soldier Field Stadium on July 27.

The Reds then face Pellegrini’s City side at Yankee Stadium on July 30, before taking on AC Milan at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on August 2.

City face Milan on July 27 at Heinz Field before the clash against Liverpool and finish up against the Greeks on August 2 at Bank of America Stadium.

“City have always enjoyed terrific support across the five boroughs having visited the states many times,” City captain Vincent Kompany said.

“The passion of our New York fans was clear for all to see when we played at Yankee Stadium last year.”

The Portuguese, keen to add experience to his ranks, is attempting to lure the 40-year-old Argentine to Stamford Bridge in a player/coach capacity when his contract expires in June

EXCLUSIVE
By Fabrizio Romano

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made an informal move to bring Inter’s Javier Zanetti to Stamford Bridge in a player and coach role, Goal understands.

The versatile 40-year-old, who moved to San Siro in 1995, worked under Mourinho during the Portuguese’s two-year spell at the the Giuseppe Meazza, during which time the club completed an unprecedented treble.

Zanetti, though, is out of contract with the Nerazzurri in June and, while his family are settled in Milan, is considering the proposal and could be tempted by a reunion with Mourinho.

The 51-year-old coach, who has frequently bemoaned the inexperience within his Chelsea side, has suggested that the Argentine join the playing staff for the 2014-15 campaign before taking on a position within his backroom team for the following season.

Mourinho is eager to add experience and title-winning pedigree to his ranks, and his plans have been approved by owner Roman Abramovich,

Zanetti, however, remains committed to Inter and will hold talks with president Erick Thohir to clarify his position at the club and whether he would be able to begin his coaching career with the Italians.

The former Argentina international, who has 145 caps for his country, considers Milan his adopted home and it would take a serious charm offensive from Mourinho to lure his former charge to west London.