Crespo leaves Chelsea

Striker now hoping to secure permanent Inter deal

By Patricio Figueroa   Last updated: 3rd July 2008

Internazionale striker Hernan Crespo

Crespo: Inter hope

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Hernan Crespo is hoping to stay at Internazionale after officially leaving Chelsea at the end of his contract.

The Argentine striker has spent the past two seasons on loan at Inter after struggling to make his mark at Stamford Bridge.

Crespo originally joined Chelsea in 2003 from Inter and rejoined his former club two years ago, having also spent the 2004/05 season on loan at Milan.

He scored 25 goals in 73 appearances for the Blues and the Premier League club have confirmed he has now officially left.

Following former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's appointment as Inter coach, Crespo is keen to sign a permanent deal with the Italian champions.

Expectations

"I have two seasons to earn myself a place in the squad for the next World Cup and I have expectations to do so after the arrival of Mourinho at Inter," Crespo, who turns 33 on Saturday, told Corriere dello Sport earlier this week.

"I knew Mourinho at Chelsea and he knows what I can give to the team.

"My expectations for next season are to have more chances to play. I know it depends on me, but it's important when you work with a coach that already knows you."

Roma had been linked with an offer for Crespo, but the forward's agent Fernando Hidalgo says the player will not be moving to the Stadio Olimpico.

Hidalgo told Teleradiostereo: "Crespo has decided to remain at Inter next season. There is no possibility of a move to Roma."