Barella: Inter or nothing

By Football Italia staff

Nicolo Barella has revealed that he would have stayed at Cagliari if a move to Inter did not happen.

Barella was courted by Napoli in January, while Roma were hoping to capitalise on the protracted nature of Inter’s negotiations with Cagliari.

However, the midfielder ultimately joined the Nerazzurri in a €50m deal and he is delighted to be at the disposal of Antonio Conte.

“Conte called me while I was on holiday and it was gratifying,” he told Corriere dello Sport.

“It makes you feel important if one of the best Coaches in the world wants you in his squad.

“Certainly this is the hardest training regime I’ve been on, together with the famous steps of Zeman. The intensity is always high, and you run with and without the ball.

“The first few days of training were tough. He’s obsessive in everything he does and he really leaves nothing to chance.

“I’d shared a very specific program with Cagliari, which was that I’d stay until June, and then we’d establish together what to do next.

“I knew Napoli were interested in me, but I never thought about changing clubs in the winter.

“It’s true that I rejected a lucrative offer from Napoli, but I’ve never thought about money in my career.

“I’ve always prioritised ambition and the welfare of my family. Money comes second.

“President Giulini had an agreement with Roma, but I explained to him that if he couldn’t find an agreement with Inter, I would’ve stayed at Cagliari.

“I didn’t have to leave home. I was calm and I wasn’t in a hurry, but luckily the two clubs then came to an agreement.

“I didn’t want to leave at all costs, but Inter’s offer was an opportunity I couldn’t miss for the sake of my career.”

Given the 22-year-old is Cagliari born and bred, is it a case of ‘goodbye’ to the Sardinians or ‘see you later’?

“In football, anything can happen. I’ve left my doors open. At the time of my transfer to Inter, both Giulini and I were happy.

“We’re on good terms, we wished each other good luck and I hope Cagliari achieve their objectives this season.

“I know some of their fans didn’t take my exit well but, even if there are whistles directed at me, I won’t go against my people. I’ll accept everything that comes my way.

“I have a strong bond with Sardinia and I’m sorry if some people didn’t understand my choice.

“I’ve always given everything to Cagliari and now I’ll do the same with Inter because I’m a professional.”

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