Inter defender Lucio has warded off the interests of potential suitors Malaga and said that he would prefer to play with the Nerazzurri next season. However, he requested the club to show faith in his talents and ability and offer him a two year contract extension until 2014, instead of the one year deal that is on the table currently.
Lucio said that he still trusted Inter to come good next season and wanted to be a part of their future successes. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, he said-
“I want to remain at Inter but with the condition that my contract is extended until June 2014.”
“I trust in Inter, I’m sure that the club will build a team capable of winning everything again.”
He urged President Moratti to reciprocate the faith, and not to look at his birth certificate while judging his talent. The Brazilian defender said that he still had the same hunger and desire for victory that he had during his younger days. He also said that his agent would not find any difficulty in reaching an agreement with the club over the wages involved.
“But [president Massimo] Moratti has to trust me, not look at my date of birth. I still have such force and hunger for success.”
“These aren’t strange requests. I just want a contract until 2014. My agent will surely reach agreement with the club about money.”
Lucio ruled out a move to Spanish outfit Malaga completely, saying that he would only move to another club capable of winning the Champions League if a deal with Inter failed to pan out.
Malaga have been very ambitious in the transfer market this season, buying big name players like Joris Mathijsen, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Jeremy Toulalan. But it seems like only ambition isn’t enough for Lucio, who will only consider a move to one of the elite clubs. He made it clear that money was not his main objective, and that he wanted to win big trophies above all else.
He said-
“I’m not going to Malaga,”
“I’m not looking for a good last contract and money. I want to win big trophies. I am convinced that we will find an agreement with Inter.
“If I did leave, I would go to another club that has the will to win the Champions League.”
Stay tuned to find out if Inter budge from their current offer and hand Lucio the two year extension he feels he deserves, or if the Scudetto winner finds himself put up on the shop window.
