Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has played down swap reports involving Wesley Sneijder moving to French super-club Paris Saint-Germain and Javier Pastore joining the Nerazzurri despite the Holland international’s refusal to accept reduced weekly wages on his current five-year contract, Sky Sports understands.
Regarding the aforementioned rumours, Moratti told Sky Sport Italia: “Between Sneijder and Pastore? I’d keep Wesley, because he’s the best out there.
“There has been too much talk about Sneijder and this is a media problem above all else. I have an excellent relationship with the guy.”
Inter Milan manager Andrea Stramaccioni has left Sneijder out of the squad since September, with Moratti insisting that the decision is a tactical one.
The 28-year-old attacking midfielder has one goal and one assist to his name in five league appearances this season, while netting one goal in three starts in the UEFA Europa League.
Despite having their star man relegated to the bench for the last two months, Inter have done quite well this season, and are currently in third-place in the Serie A table, four points adrift of table-toppers Juventus.
When asked about the Sneijder saga, Stramaccioni said: “I think I have spoken about this argument in an exhaustive way, as has the president [Massimo Morrati]. All the choices over all the Inter players, I repeat, are only my evaluations.
“So, also for Sneijder
it will be only the coach’s choice. I take responsibility for this.
“He feels good, he’s training with his team-mates. I ask you not to ask me any more questions on this.”
Sneijder, 28, insisted that he has no reason to sign a new deal under the current conditions on Monday.
By the looks of it, Stramaccioni will continue to leave him out of the squad, which will undoubtedly fuel speculation that the Dutchman will be leaving Inter when the transfer window reopens in January, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain his most likely destinations.
Olsson staying put
Blackburn Rovers left-back Martin Olsson plans to stay at Ewood Park in January following affirmation from Sweden regarding his international future, Sky Sports reports.
Martin Dahlin, Olsson’s agent, had began to worry that his client’s career at the international level could be threatened by playing in the English Championship, and rightfully so.
However, following assurances from Sweden, Olsson has decided to stay at Blackburn.
“I am focused on Blackburn, that’s it. Too much came out in the media before that I wanted to leave and I didn’t want to play here,” Olsson told the Lancashire Telegraph.
“I love the club, I have been here seven years and I only have positive things to say about the club. Right now I’m just focusing on Rovers, that’s all.”
In all honesty, Olsson’s decision to stay on at Blackburn is somewhat surprising, with Rovers four points adrift of the four promotion play-off spots at the moment.
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