Motta completes Inter Milan move
Reuters - Wednesday 01 July 2009, 15:18
MILAN - Brazilian midfielder Thiago Motta has signed a four-year deal with Inter Milan after completing his drawn-out move from Genoa, the Italian champions said on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old, whose career was threatened by injury when at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, rediscovered form and fitness with Genoa last term when he helped guide them to a surprise fifth place finish in Serie A.
Youth players Francesco Bolzoni, Leonardo Bonucci and Riccardo Meggiorini are joining Genoa on a permanent basis as part of the deal, Inter said in a statement without giving financial details.
The moves, agreed weeks ago, are part of a larger player exchange agreement between the two clubs.
Argentina striker Diego Milito joined Inter from Genoa earlier this week with Hernan Crespo going the other way.
Italy under-21 striker Robert Acquafresca, on loan at Cagliari last term, also moved to Genoa from Inter but has been immediately sent to Atalanta for next season.
Inter coach Jose Mourinho, hoping to cling on to restless striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and right back Maicon, is keen to buy Ricardo Carvalho and Deco from former club Chelsea while tall Twente Enschede forward Marko Arnautovic could soon sign.
To make room for the new players that Mourinho hopes will give Inter an extra edge in the Champions League, forward Julio Cruz is leaving with Fiorentina expressing an interest.
Media reports also say midfielder Patrick Vieira wants to return to France.