Simone Inzaghi has insisted he gave everything to Inter Milan before taking charge of Al-Hilal, responding to comments from the Saudi club’s CEO that suggested the deal had been agreed upon prior to Inter’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Italian manager left Inter earlier this month after the heavy loss in Munich, which brought their European campaign to a disappointing end. During his four-year spell in charge, Inzaghi led the Nerazzurri to a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies, and three Italian Super Cups, though he ultimately fell short of delivering continental success.
Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada told the BBC that an agreement with Inzaghi had been in place prior to the final but said the coach had asked to delay the announcement out of respect for his then-current club.
“It might look like it’s something that came quickly, but it’s the result of hard work,” Calzada said.
“He was playing a massive match and asked (us) to keep things aside until after the final. It was decided but not signed before the final, just because out of respect he asked us to wait, which is certainly fair enough.”
The revelation prompted speculation in the Italian media, with questions raised over whether Inter’s players were aware of Inzaghi’s decision before the final and if it had any bearing on their performance.
Speaking ahead of Al-Hilal’s Club World Cup opener against Real Madrid on Wednesday, Inzaghi dismissed any suggestion that his commitment to Inter had wavered.
“Today I heard – or heard about – all sorts of things, as has often happened during the four years I was at Inter,” he said at a press conference.
“If this was the price to pay for my four years at Inter, I’ll gladly pay it. But it’s nothing compared to the good I received from the entire Inter world – I mean the fans, the management, the players, everyone at Inter.
“I know I’ll miss it – I’ll miss everything, even this – even the most unfair accusations that were made over these four years. But I was truly happy. I gave my all.”
Inter President Beppe Marotta declined to be drawn into the controversy but reaffirmed that the club’s future does not hinge on any one person.
“I don’t chase after rumours, denials, or other people’s behaviour – everyone knows what they’ve done,” Marotta said ahead of Inter’s Club World Cup clash with Monterrey.
“A cycle has ended and we thank Simone Inzaghi for all he’s given us, but now there’s a new cycle to open and focus on. Inter’s story moves forward and doesn’t depend on individuals.”