Inter midfielder to snub England in order to become Nerazzurri leader

Date: 22nd April 2014 at 6:35pm
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Inter midfielder Mateo Kovacic is ready to reject a move to England in order to become a leader for the Nerazzurri.

The Croatian playmaker has only made 10 starts in 28 league matches and has recently been linked with a transfer away from the Giuseppe Meazza with Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal among his suitors.

Kovacic’s recent return to the first 11 has helped Inter record back to back league wins away to Sampdoria and Parma, slotting in well beside Hernanes and Esteban Cambiasso in midfield to give the Nerazzurri hope of a top 5 finish.

The 19-year-old joined from Dinamo Zagreb in January 2013 and told Sky Sport Italia that he was happy to learn his trade in Italy and fight for his place.

“I like it here,” said Kovacic. “Italian football’s very difficult, there’s not a lot of space like in England or Spain but you learn different things like how to defend and tactics, which are very important.”

Kovacic has reportedly had a fractured relationship with Inter coach Walter Mazzarri, with the tactician unconvinced by his defensive capabilities.

The young midfielder though believes they have a good rapport.

“We’ve spoken ever since he came in, both when I’m in the team and out of it. He knows I’m good on the ball, but that I need to figure out how to move off it. We talk a lot, about our private lives too. I’m happy he’s here and that I can learn more.

“What does he tell me? To stay calm, especially recently when I’ve not been playing much, and to train well. I played against Samp, I did alright, and I’ll keep going like that.”

 

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