Former Inter wing-back Antonio Candreva has shared his regret at being unable to leave Inter having won a piece of silverware with the club following his departure to fellow Serie A club Sampdoria in the recent Summer transfer window.

“I can only say thank you for the wonderful years I spent in the Nerazzurri. I hope that the fans can remember me as someone who proudly wore the shirt and gave every last drop of sweat for it,” he explained in an interview with Italian news outlet fanpage.it.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t say goodbye with a trophy, we came really close. Now, however, with Sampdoria, another chapter in my life and career is open. President Massimo Ferrero and the club really wanted me.”

The former Lazio player then spoke on how it felt for him to be highly praised by Inter fans last season having previously been heavily criticised by the same fans in the previous season.

“Going from being glorified to criticised and vice versa is part of a footballer’s life. The trick is to leave the comments and controversies out of your head, but still be able to self-criticise and take advantage of the advice of the coach and staff, of loved ones who live by your side.

“Sometimes you put all the effort in the world into it and things don’t go right, other times you get results with minimal effort. I can’t explain why, but that’s how it goes.”

Candreva joined Inter in the Summer of 2016 from fellow Serie A side Lazio as one of then new owners Suning’s first signings. The 33-year-old arrived at the club as a winger but was made into a wing-back last season under Antonio Conte.

In his four year spell with the club, the Italian made 151 appearances across all competitions, during which he scored 18 goals and provided 31 assists for his teammates.