The highly rated midfielder from Sporting Lisbon has joined Internazionale after his exploits with Portugal at Euro 2016. Born in Porto, the midfielder signed for the Porto Academy back in 2002. A part of the side which were the runners-up in the U-21s Euro 2015, he was an instrumental in the national’s side winning run this summer.
Having been linked with Chelsea over the summer, the Portuguese has finally chosen his destination. A Sporting Lisbon statement was released about the details of the transfer where it was announced that the club had agreed on a reported sum of €45 Million out of which €5 Million would be earmarked under objectives. Sporting Lisbon also wished the player happiness on a personal and professional level.
Inter’s new coach, Frank De Boer has requested for patience from the Nerazzurri fans. The club having been taken over by Chinese tycoon Zhang Jindong, who appointed the Dutchman after replacing Roberto Mancini — who won seven titles including three consecutive league titles in a previous spell at the club.
The 23-year-old will hope to be an integral member of the current side. Mario appeared for Portugal in all the seven games in the Euros last month and if reports are to be believed then he might be playing with the Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa, who is also expected at the San Siro. The club President, Erick Thohir, released a statement of his delight at signing the Portuguese and hoped that he would bring his qualities to a side which he believes are in a strong position to challenge at the least for the Champion’s League places.
"We're delighted to have Joao Mario at Inter. He's a top player and we'd been tracking him for a long time. He'll further reinforce what is already a very strong squad," the Italian club's president Erick Thohir said.
Inter have already brought in the likes of Antonio Candreva, Dodo, Cristian Ansaldi, Marcelo Brozovic, Gianluca Caprari, Rey Manaj and Ever Banega this summer. In addition to that,Joao Mario’s arrival will further strengthen the squad. The transfer fee agreed upon is also believed to be the highest Sporting Lisbon has received for any of their imports which also includes the illustrious Christiano Ronaldo and the vice-captain of the Portugal team, Nani.
Also read: How Sporting CP’s youth academy has shaped Portugal
The 23-year-old made 171 appearances for Sporting Lisbon having been with the club for 14 years. His relentless work rate and attacking versatility means, De Boer will have the flexible option of starting him anywhere in a midfield trio. Considered an all round midfielder, he makes up for his lack of pace with positional ability and technique with the ball.
