Keita Balde’s agent, Roberto Calenda was interviewed by RMC Sport where he revealed the backstory behind the transfer that was made official yesterday when the former Lazio winger joined the Nerazzurri on a season long loan to begin with.

Calenda began by revealing that: “The idea came about some time ago, even if it was not easy to implement. He has proved to have great potential, to be able to cover more roles as a modern attacker, and is an extra attacking weapon for Inter.

Will he be a starting player?

“He arrives to be available to the team, he knows he is in an important team, with tradition and with great players, the team is already equipped with champions and he will be able to express himself.”

Can he play as a striker?

“He is flexible and knows how to do play in many roles: first or second striker, winger, but it depends on the coach, his ideas and how he wants to deploy the team. He has a lot of talent and quality, and will make this available to Inter.”

How strong was his desire to return to the Serie A?

“He was very happy with the choice he made last year. We were coming from a period of tension, then luckily it was resolved, Lazio made a notable profit on him. At that time he wanted Monaco, then things change and this was the right choice for him.”

Where there other teams aside from Monaco that wanted him last summer?

“There was more than one team. It’s normal for the big teams to pay attention to players like him, but I would not go back to last year, it’s water under the bridge. Now there’s a big situation in which he returns to Italy playing for a great team. We hope that everything goes well.”

Can Inter be the team that dethrones Juventus in the Serie A?

“In my opinion Inter were already that before. I see a pro-active team, excellent team. The Italian league is never easy, there are surprises and tactically very well equipped teams. Inter has a high basic level of players and Keita can be what tips the scale for the coach.”