Nagatomo disappointed after Inter exit

Inter Milan full-back Yuto Nagatomo was at a loss to explain his team’s exit from the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Japan international’s performance was marked by excessive fouls as Inter were eliminated by Marseille in the round-of-16 on the away goals rule.

“It’s unbelievable,” Nagatomo told Nikkan after the match.

“Even though we controlled the match, to be scored on like that at the very end is incredibly disappointing.”

Inter were on track to force the tie into extra-time before Brazilian Brandao struck in stoppage time in Italy, with Giampaolo Pazzini’s penalty giving the Serie A giants a 2-1 second-leg win, which was not enough after they lost 1-0 in France.

Claudio Ranieri’s men are seventh in the league and, while securing a Champions League place for next season will be difficult, Nagatomo is determined to make something out of the remainder of the season.

“We cannot (let the result) affect us forever. We have to learn from this result and apply that to the next match,” Nagatomo said.