Inter and Sporting CP are in a dispute over a clause in a deal that took Joao Mario to the San Siro back in 2016.
The midfielder spent five years with the Nerazzurri before his contract was recently terminated. He never established himself in Italy by taking out loans at West Ham, Lokomotiv Moscow and later Sporting due to lack of playing time. Since his release, he has signed for Sporting City rivals Benfica.
? | STATEMENT
Statement from FC Internazionale Milano.
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– Inter ??? (@Inter_en) July 13, 2021
However, there is more to history than meets the eye. In a statement published on Tuesday afternoon, Sporting claimed that Inter only terminated their contract early to avoid paying an extra transfer fee of 30 million euros. When he was sold, it was agreed that if the Nerazzurri were to sell Joao Mario to another Portuguese club, they would have to pay the money.
The allegations have been strongly denied, with Inter issuing its own statement shortly afterwards, which reads: “FC Internazionale Milano are aware of the statement released by the Sporting Clube de Portugal to the media. The comments are unacceptable, extremely serious and – most importantly – baseless. The club will protect its image and reputation in relevant forums. “
Inter’s financial situation is well known. Shortly after securing the Serie A title last season, Scudetto’s winning manager Antonio Conte left the club due to uncertainty off the field. Since then, a number of worrying stories have surfaced with players being asked to take a substantial salary to ensure the club remains solvent in the future.
It is expected that many big names can leave Inter this summer as well. Star wing back Achraf Hakimi has already left and signed a big money deal with Paris Saint-Germain last week. Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez, who have had an incredible strike partnership in recent seasons, have also both been linked to a move away.
