Zanetti: 'Why Inter chose Banega'

By Football Italia staff

Javier Zanetti confirms Inter have signed Ever Banega “for his quality and character,” while Diego Simeone has a future at San Siro.

The Nerazzurri Vice-President spoke to Spanish newspaper Marca ahead of tonight’s Champions League Final between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

“We signed Banega for his enormous quality and character, as he is someone who lifts the level of the entire team,” said Zanetti.

“His profile is what we want to bring Inter back to where the club belongs. Our starting point was qualifying for the Europa League.

“We are in the Financial Fair Play situation, so before buying more players we need to sell.”

Banega can leave Sevilla for a nominal fee, as his contract was set to expire and the Spanish side claims there is a clause activating an automatic renewal.

As for the future, Atletico Madrid Coach Simeone has been linked with a future at his old club Inter.

“What we want is to get back into the Champions League and for this we’ve got Roberto Mancini, who is doing a great job.

“I also have to say that Simeone feels very much at ease at Atletico. He left many good memories at Inter, he still feels a lot of affection for the club and in future we never know what might happen. But for now, there has to be respect for Mancini.”

Juventus are said to be in talks for Barcelona star Javier Mascherano.

“I think he’d do well in any team, as he is a player who can adapt to anything,” continued Zanetti.

“He is the player everyone would like to have. He already expressed himself at a high level in England and Spain. He is an example for everyone to follow.”

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