Zanetti: "We want Inter even more competitive"

MILAN – Inter vice president Javier Zanetti has spoken about the Nerazzurri’s summer transfer plans as he appeared at an event at the Brooks Brothers flagship store on Friday evening.

"Candreva is a great player but right now we need to focus on what kind of transfer window we want to have and follow our own path," began Zanetti.

"We’ll see what happens and try to get an idea of what we’re going to be able to have because we can’t forget about Financial Fair Play. That said, we want to build a good side.

"I’m part of a team alongside Piero Ausilio and Giovanni Gardini and we’re all ready to do our bit. When the results come, we’re all happy," continued Zanetti.

The Inter vice president also addressed rumours of a potential role for Leonardo at the club: "It’s only the papers that are speaking about that. We’re working to make the squad more competitive."

Zanetti was then asked about a series of individual players: "Ansaldi is a Genoa player. We played together at international level. We’re laying the foundations to build a team capable of returning to the Champions League.

"Almiron is a promising young player but first and foremost we need to finalise our strategy. The transfer window has only just begun – we have a long time to go."

Yaya Toure was another name put to the Nerazzurri vice president, but Zanetti was firm in his response: "We can only have one more non-EU player."

The Inter legend had warm words for his former international coach Marcelo Bielsa, who is set to join Lazio: "Bielsa will do very well in Serie A. He’s very experienced and intelligent, which can only be positive for the league."

Last but certainly not least, Zanetti reserved special praise for Inter striker Eder after he fired Italy into the last 16 of Euro 2016: "I’m pleased for Eder, he deserves to be in the squad. He’s always put maximum effort in. The fact that he’s not scored many goals means nothing – he sacrifices himself a great deal and you saw that today too. We’re all delighted he scored and that Italy are through. It was great to see Perisic score too."