Moratti confirms Kuyt offer Saturday 21 August, 2010
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President Massimo Moratti has confirmed that Rafa Benitez requested Dirk Kuyt. “We’ll have to include an Inter player in the deal.”
The reigning European champions have so far been quiet on the transfer market, but a final push is expected with their swoop for Liverpool’s Dutch international Kuyt.
“We do not have the need to buy, especially as let’s not forget we practically ‘bought’ Douglas Maicon by keeping him here,” Moratti told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Will Kuyt arrive? In terms of necessity I’d say no, as the team kept its winning players. However, there is an issue of tactical completion on behalf of the Coach and so for Kuyt we’ll see. You never know.
“It is anything but an easy operation, but it’s likely we’ll include an Inter player in the deal.”
Liverpool already took the first step by leaving Kuyt in the stands for their Europa League play-off this week, ensuring he was not cup-tied.
It’s reported that Sulley Ali Muntari will be sent to Anfield as part of the exchange with an additional 6m.
However, Moratti was adamant that Benitez’s other protégé, Javier Mascherano, will not be coming to San Siro.
“I can say that for Mascherano it’s a clear no. I can also explain that it’s a transfer we could only have completed if others had left.”
This evening Inter welcome Roma for the Italian Super Cup, which officially kicks off the season and represents Benitez’s first stab at silverware.
“It’s our duty to try to add to the trio of successes we earned in May, of course,” continued the President.
“It’s a duty, but also a pleasure to face new challenges. It’s normal for me to come back to the same Inter I left, as when you win and have such fun, you want to keep on going.
“It’s true that Benitez represents a departure from the past and has a different way of dealing with people to Jose Mourinho, but I chose him for his talents as a Coach, not his personality.
“I wasn’t looking for a Mou lookalike, but in any case realised Rafa is every bit as meticulous as Jose. He dedicates himself body and soul to his work. I also trust he’ll be just as effective in motivating the players too.”
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