Moratti justifies Zlatan sale

Inter supremo insists Ibra deal does not weaken Serie A champions

By Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 27th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Moratti justifies Zlatan sale

Ibrahimovic: Barca-bound

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Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti believes the Serie A giants were right to sell Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish striker is expected to finalise his move to Barcelona on Monday, with Cameroon ace Samuel Eto'o heading in the opposite direction.

While Ibrahimovic's precocious talents will undoubtedly be missed at Giuseppe Meazza, Moratti insists Inter will cope without him.

He believes the agreement with Barca will benefit all concerned and he fully expects Jose Mourinho's side to challenge for major honours in the 2009/10 campaign.

"It has been quite an affair for both sides. It's been sensational. I don't remember a similar operation between two European clubs," Moratti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"But it has happened and I think everything is positive for both sides.

"Ibrahimovic made it clear more than once in the last few months that he wanted to change teams.

"He told me he was keen to continue his development somewhere else. It seems to me that Barcelona is the ideal place to do that."

Faith

On Inter's strength heading into the new campaign, Moratti added: "I don't think I would be wrong in saying that this group is as strong as the best teams around.

"Eto'o and (Diego) Milito together up front? I really hope that we will see them together frequently.

"We have to have faith in the ideas of the coach and, from my side, I think we have complete faith."

The addition of Eto'o, and Barca midfielder Alexander Hleb, will see Inter well stocked for attacking talent next season and Moratti has moved to distance the club from ongoing speculation linking them with a move for Chelsea playmaker Deco.

"I think the team is okay so I don't agree with those who say we are missing the 'little cherry'," he said.

Eto'o, meanwhile, has now arrived in Milan and admits he is looking forward to beginning his Italian adventure.

"I am really happy to be at Inter," he said.

"I'm here to work hard and to win the Champions League."