In the week that could bring the championship to Inter, Simone Inzaghi returned to speak in a long interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport. Among the many topics addressed, the former coach also revealed some behind-the-scenes details about his departure.
Once and for all: did you tell the team before the final that you would be leaving?
“Absolutely not. I couldn’t have done it because the decision, which was very difficult for me and my family, had not been made. The truth is that everything happened very quickly: two days after Monaco we met at Marotta‘s house, with Ausilio and Baccin present. In that context, I expressed the need for a change, because I felt that a cycle had ended. They would have liked to continue with me but understood my choice: we parted as friends and we still are. But if we had won the Champions I would have stayed at Inter.”
So why did you say before the final that there were several offers on your table?
“Because you never know how things can go and because my duty was not to hide from the fans what could happen. Even in other situations there had been offers and I had never accepted them. This time it was different: I wanted to try a new experience.”
People go to Arabia for the money, not for ambition.
“Or you go to discover a new reality, to challenge yourself in a different context. Fortunately, I have never had money problems, that was not what I was missing. I had a wonderful house in Milan from which I could see everything, even San Siro. The offer convinced me and now here I am, happy to be here.”
Do you miss Italy?
“Honestly, no. Since I arrived in Riyadh I have only gone home for four days. I have my family, my parents and my friends often come to visit me, I don’t suffer from homesickness. I live in a compound (a closed and self-sufficient residential area, ed.) where the facilities are excellent, including the American school for the children. The organization is perfect, even in the club. And I am also learning English.”
