26.05.2025 17:07 h

Inter's Inzaghi dismisses Saudi rumours ahead of Champions League final

Simone Inzaghi played down rumours that he is set to leave Inter Milan after the Champions League final as speculation mounts of a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia.

Widespread reports of interest in Inzaghi from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal emerged just as Inter prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, their second final in Europe's top competition in three seasons.

But Inzaghi said it was "mad" to talk about his future ahead of the final, saying that he was "really happy" at Inter even with talk of a two-year deal with Al-Hilal worth 50 million euros ($57 million).

"It's the same thing every year, when I was at Lazio or since I've been here at Inter there are always requests in Italy and from abroad, but I think it would be mad to think about that," Inzaghi told reporters.

"After the match we'll sit down and talk just as we always have done in the last few years, with what's best for Inter being the only goal.

"If we have all the pieces in the right place we'll move forward together."

Inzaghi admitted that he might have trouble sleeping in the lead-up to the final in Munich as Inter risk finishing the season empty-handed after being in contention for the Serie A, Champions League and Italian Cup treble.

Defending champions Inter ran Napoli all the way to the last day but came second in the title race, and city rivals AC Milan ended their domestic cup run at the semi-finals, leaving the Champions League as Inzaghi's only remaining chance for a trophy this season.

"Friday night won't be a night like the others... the Champions League is the match that every coach wants to take part in but which doesn't come around for everyone," said Inzaghi.

"I didn't manage to get there as a player but thanks to my squad we've managed to get there twice in three seasons."

Inzaghi could be the second man in his family to win the Champions League after his older brother Filippo, who was twice crowned European champion as a star striker with AC Milan.

Asked whether it was a bigger achievement to win it as a player or as a coach, Inzaghi joked: "I'll ask my parents and Pippo which one is more important!"

Inzaghi said that Lautaro Martinez will be ready for the final, with the Argentina striker later telling reporters that he was "100 percent fit".

Marcus Thuram will partner Martinez up front for Inter as long as he isn't injured in the build-up to the final, the France forward having the chance to go one better than his father, Lilian Thuram.

Thuram senior is a hero in France for being part of the national team which won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship two years later, but his biggest honour in club football was the UEFA Cup he won in 1999 with Parma.

"We talk every day, not just before finals. He's a very active father who gives me a lot of advice," said Thuram, who has a career-best tally of 18 goals in all competitions this season.

Thuram was born in Parma in 1997 and lived in Italy as a young boy before eventually moving to Paris where he began his youth football career in 2007.

"A Champions League final is special, and even more so for me because we're facing the team of the city where I grew up, and playing against players I've known for a long time," said Thuram.

"But it's not a surprise that we're taking on PSG in the final because they have a great coach, great players, a philosophy. They've shown that they're one of the best teams in Europe."