Ivan Cordoba has urged Inter to keep hold of centre-back Milan Skriniar amidst reports that contract talks with the Slovakian have stalled.
Skriniar is frequently compared to Cordoba’s former Nerazzurri teammate Walter Samuel, with whom he won the Triplete under Jose Mourinho in 2010, and the Colombian believes he cannot be allowed to leave if Inter wish to continue improving under Luciano Spalletti.
“Skriniar has proved himself to be an efficient and assured defender,” he told reporters on Friday.
“He transmits calmness to the rest of the defence. He’s a difference-maker.
“Inter must keep hold of him. They spotted a great player and if they do the same with their next few signings they’ll be able to achieve great things as a club.”
Luka Modric is one player who continues to be mooted as a potential signing for the Nerazzurri next season, having reportedly been eager to join the club last summer.
However Cordoba is not convinced the Croatian is a realistic target.
“I think he’ll remain a dream,” he continued.
“I struggle to imagine certain things happening after we lost two players like Rafinha and Joao Cancelo last summer – them leaving and Modric arriving are two contradictory situations and only those inside the club could understand what the situation is.”
Cordoba also discussed the potential arrival of Beppe Marotta as general manager and backed club president Steven Zhang to make a success of his new position.
“I don’t know if Marotta will join but he’s a great manager,” he added.
“All I can say is that the club are looking to build a strong team for the future and they’re doing a good job. Only those within Inter know if Marotta is the right man or not.
“Steven Zhang is a man who’s always on top of things, he’s intelligent. He’s a person who thinks very carefully about everything he does.”