Inter land Nagatomo on loan
Reuters - Monday 31 January 2011, 18:31
MILAN - European champions Inter Milan
made the last-ditch loan signing of Japan left-back Yuto
Nagatomo from Serie A rivals Cesena just before the Italian
transfer window shut on Monday.
"The champion of Asia arrives from Cesena, who have received
Davide Santon as part of the deal, also on loan," an Inter
statement said.
Inter had said their January recruitment drive was over
after the arrivals of striker Giampaolo Pazzini, midfielder
Houssine Kharja and defender Andrea Ranocchia but an injury to
left-back Cristian Chivu and replacement Santon's poor form
prompted action.
Nagatomo, who only joined promoted Cesena from FC Tokyo at
the start of the season, played in Japan's 1-0 Asian Cup final
triumph over Australia on Saturday.
His cross set up Tadanari Lee's stunning volley for the
extra-time win of former Inter coach Alberto Zaccheroni's Blue
Samurai.
Inter are fourth in Serie A after a pick-up in form under new
coach Leonardo, who replaced Rafael Benitez on December 23.
The
Spaniard departed after criticising the club for their lack of
transfer activity, something they have now addressed.