Mourinho wraps up first Inter signing
Reuters - Tuesday 15 July 2008, 16:41
MILAN - AS Roma's Brazilian winger
Mancini has become Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho's first major
signing, the two clubs said on Tuesday.
Roma, who finished second to Inter in Serie A last season,
announced an initial agreement last week and the deal has now
been finalised after the player returned to Italy from holiday.
The skilful and versatile Mancini has moved for 13 million
euros ($20.7 million), Roma said in a statement. They added that
a friendly between the teams for the season after next was part
of the deal.
"I thank Roma for everything they have done for me, for how
they have treated me and for the way in which they have behaved
in the negotiations with Inter," Mancini told a news conference.
The 27-year-old, who spent five years at Roma and had an
uneasy relationship with coach Luciano Spalletti, is the second
top player in two seasons to switch between the rivals.
Romania centre back Cristian Chivu left Roma for Inter at
the start of last season in an acrimonious move.
Inter were tracking Mancini even before Mourinho's arrival
and his signing now makes it less likely they will bid for
Porto's Ricardo Quaresma. Their interest in Chelsea midfielder
Frank Lampard remains, however.
Luis Figo, a rival to Mancini on the left flank, is still
expected to sign a new one-year deal with Inter rather than
retire.
Mancini is no relation to former Inter coach Roberto
Mancini, who was sacked at the end of last term despite Inter
retaining the league title.
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