Kharja happy with Inter move

Moroccan international midfielder Houssine Kharja has been included in Inter Milan’s squad for Sunday’s game at Palermo.

Kharja completed his loan transfer on Saturday from Genoa and manager Leonardo immediately named him in his squad.

“I am very happy,” Kharja said on Inter Channel.

“After some difficult days of waiting, I am finally here. I want to thank President Massimo Moratti for giving me this opportunity and all those who worked to complete the transfer.”

“I have joined the strongest team in the world. I’m still a little stunned and excited after the first training session with my new teammates. I am ready for whatever the coach needs starting from tomorrow’s game.”

“I have taken on many midfield roles during my career and at international level I even played as a centre-back.”

Kharja will wear the number 14 shirt in honour of former Inter star Patrick Vieira.

“I hope and want to give a contribution to this team that is still so hungry for victory. I thank my teammates for the warm welcome.”

Inter will welcome back Diego Milito, Philippe Coutinho and Julio Cesar from injury.

Dejan Stankovic, Ivan Cordoba and Cristian Chivu are suspended, while Wesley Sneijder, Walter Samuel and MacDonald Mariga are injured.

Meanwhile, Palermo coach Delio Rossi has told his players to “forget about the table and play for the win against Inter, as we always do.”

The Sicilians have a history of entertaining clashes with Inter, losing 5-3 in Milan last season and losing 2-1 on home turf in September.

“Every game is unique and self-contained,” Rossi insisted. “Since our last meeting many things have changed and Inter have a different tactician.”

“We will go to Milan in order to play our game and play for the win, as we always do. If we play the way we know how, then we can get a result against Inter.”

“I am not interested in the standings and we must forget about the table. After all, I’m used to not checking it until March.”