Agent Matteo Materazzi: “Inter’s Deal For Olivier Giroud Was Done 10 Days Before The End Of The Window”

Italian agent Matteo Materazzi, who represents Lazio full back Stefan Radu and was involved in the negotiations between Inter and Chelsea for Olivier Giroud, discussed the title race and the failed move for the French striker in an interview with Italian media outlet TuttoMercatoWeb today.

First, Materazzi discussed Inter’s 2-1 loss to Lazio.

“It was a great game played with a lot of grit, determination. It’s not easy to go behind and then win. It was a great game.”

He then revealed that Inter’s deal for Giroud was completed before the end of the transfer window.

“Ten days before the market closed it was done.”

The Italian agent discussed what caused the deal to collapse.

“Inter were very close. Then there was the problem of Politano and Spinazzola that blocked the situation. When Politano was signed by Napoli, Lazio and Tottenham were included in the race for Giroud.”

Materazzi touched on why Giroud didn’t end up moving to Lazio.

“Lampard vetoed it. If you buy a player he must be average or higher, Giroud would have been the ideal purchase.”

The agent spoke about how special it would have been to bring Giroud to Lazio, considering he’s a fan of the team.

“They were crazy days. I felt like I was part of a project that was born suddenly. I would have liked to have brought Giroud to Lazio. We tried…”

Materazzi didn’t want to predict what would happen to Giroud in the summer.

“I think he’s focused on making the European Championships. That’s what his agent Manuello says now. Giroud wants the European Championships, I don’t think there’s any other option right now.”

Finally, Materazzi gave his thoughts on the best purchase of the January transfer window.

“I say Eriksen. For a player who played in England, it’s never easy to play in Italy, but it was a great deal.”

Inter are currently 3^rd in the league table after their defeat to Lazio.