APPIANO GENTILE – Today the Nerazzurri have an afternoon workout scheduled at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti in Appiano Gentile as part of their preparations for Siena v Inter, the Week 23 match of the 2012/13 Serie A season.
Moratti: "Paulinho, easier in June"
MILAN – Upon leaving his offices in the centre of Milan,
Massimo Moratti briefly answered some questions from awaiting
reporters. Here at inter.it we
give you the full version of the
Nerazzurri president’s statements:
President Moratti, are there any updates on Paulinho?
“No, nothing new. From a
certain point of view I think it’s an operation that would be
easier to do in June rather than now. It’s certainly not due to economic reasons, but more for
the player’s own situation and the commitments he has in Brazil. This is the only information I can give you.”
Anything certain on who could come?
“I don’t know. We’ll see.”
Are there any updates on Schelotto?
“No.”
Happy Birthday to Antonio Caracciolo
MILAN – Today Antonio Caracciolo celebrates his 96th birthday. It’s also a special occasion as he happens to be the Nerazzurri’s oldest surviving ex-player, and one who was also present on the pitch for Inter’s Centenary celebration.
President Massimo Moratti and the entire club would like to send him their best wishes.
Moratti: "Transfer window closes on 31 January"
MILAN – As he left his office this evening, Massimo Moratti was intercepted again by waiting journalists hoping to catch some news about the possible departure of Philippe Coutinho and the club’s interest in Paulinho. The president replied: “There’s no news. The transfer window is open until 31 January. Let’s see what happens.”
Technical director Marco Branca was also asked if he had any news, to which he replied: “We’re working on it.”
President Moratti on the transfer window
MILAN – The journalists’ questions for Massimo Moratti were about one subject only today: the transfer market. This is what the president said to reporters as he arrived at his office in the centre of Milan:
President Moratti, is there any news from Brazil about Paulinho?
“No, none whatsoever.”
But are you confident the deal can be done?
“Deals get done if the right conditions are there to complete them. As things stand, at the conditions I was made aware of, the deal might have been possible, but if those conditions change then no.”
Considering Inter’s plans to rejuvenate the team, isn’t it perhaps a bit early to be selling Coutinho?
“Yes, but things get done for a reason and selling Coutinho is not done with the idea of cashing in but because, looking at the way things have developed recently, we have a greater need in different areas than Coutinho’s position, regardless of his age.”
Will you be looking to bring in another midfielder now that Mudingayi is injured?
“Look, the only thing you can do is say ‘poor Mudingayi, he’s such a lovely lad and he’s been so unlucky’; not replace him. That’s what I think.”