Rafinha: ‘Spalletti didn’t want me’

By Football Italia staff

Former Inter midfielder Rafinha “thought I would stay” but feels Coach Luciano Spalletti “didn’t want to keep me”.

The Brazilian was on loan with the Nerazzurri in the second half of last season, but they didn’t take up their option to make the deal permanent, ostensibly due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.

“Spalletti is a great Coach, but I get the feeling he didn’t want to keep me,” Rafinha admitted, speaking to SportMediaset.

“Inter remain in my heart, I thought I would stay but in the end they chose other players.

“I know the fans were mobilised in the summer, and they even started the hashtag #riprendirafinha [‘bring Rafinha back’].

“It was a sign of great affection that I reciprocated, I gave everything and more. I was very happy in Milan, there was an immediate and natural empathy.

“I’m still in touch with my former teammates, the medical staff and the directors, but the door is closed and I don’t think it can be re-opened. Now I’m happy at Barcelona.”

The two sides will face each other at Camp Nou for tomorrow’s Champions League match.

“It’s a clash between two sides at the top of the group, Inter are strong and I really hope they can progress in the Champions League.

“It’s a special match for me, and of course it’ll bring huge emotions. If I play and score then I won’t celebrate as a mark of respect: the Nerazzurri are always a part of me.

“I have a lot of friends in Milan, I talk to [Mauro] Icardi often. I had a great time there, I felt like I was part of a family.

“I experienced exciting moments like the return to the Champions League which we achieved against Lazio, and of course I got back to playing after a long time out.

“That said, I think the door closed this summer.”

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