Following Alexis Sanchez’s recent arrival at Inter, former Inter sporting director Marco Branca has revealed that he had previously tried to bring the Chilean to the club when he was there.
“I offered €18 million, which was practically everything I had available for that transfer window but it was not enough. I tried to make the most of my relationship with the Pozzo family, I had known a few of them since 1987 but they explained to me that they price they had in mind for Sanchez was much higher,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
Barcelona would win the race to sign Sanchez and would pay €26 million for him.
“I knew that I could not compete with Barcelona, but it was right to try it because the player was world class and I had no doubt that he would go on to have a great career.
“On his own, he would not have changed his destiny at Inter as the club had just started a bad cycle but I am convinced he would have given us a good hand nevertheless.”
Branca then spoke on Sanchez’s arrival at Inter.
“The fact he has joined on loan with Manchester United paying a good slice of his salary is a great deal. Sanchez will also be properly up for it after a bad season last year. When the top players want to redeem themselves, they are even more willing.
“Sanchez is quick, a good dribbler and an eye for goal as well as the ability to adapt to different positions. He already knows Lukaku and this will help him.
“Sanchez brings international experience and quality too. He is fortunate to be getting to work with a great manager in Conte and can do good things at Inter.”
