Inter Milan

Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar has pledged his future to his current club in response to persistent exit rumours.

The Slovak spoke to Ruhrnachrichten.de (h/t Football Italia) and was asked about speculation linking him with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

He himself added Manchester City, Manchester United and Barcelona to the mix but has no plans on leaving the Italian fashion capital anytime soon:

"I'm very satisfied here, I feel very good. I have a very good relationship with the fans. I don't miss anything here and I play regularly. It's for that reason I took this step. I don't plan on leaving.

"A lot's been written on the internet about my future, so some of it comes as news to me too, but I don't let any of it get to me.

"Personally speaking, no offer has arrived but in the media there have been the names of clubs like Manchester City, Manchester United and Barcelona. As for Bayern or Dortmund, of course you always make reflections if an offers come from clubs like them, but it would depend more on my situation at Inter and the role and importance I feel here.

"If I was always on the bench, it would be difficult to say 'no.'"

The 24-year-old has been among Serie A's top defenders since his Sampdoria days and has only improved following his transfer to Inter in 2017.

An expert in one-on-one situations, he put his talents on full display against Barcelona's Lionel Messi, per Eurosport's Siavoush Fallahi:

Thanks for this footage of Skriniar's exceptional defending admin pic.twitter.com/ilLH3b8Y6n

— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) October 22, 2019

Skriniar's strong form the last few years and continued growth has led to plenty of rumours. The speculation was loudest in January, when he took to Instagram to call the media "s--t" for their insistence on pushing the gossip, per Manchester Evening News' Richard Fay.

During the same window, he told Tuttosport (h/t Joe Wright of Goal) he wanted to sign a new contract with the Nerazzurri. The extension came in May, locking him up for an additional year, until 2023:

🚨 | ANNUNCIO

✍️ Ha firmato!  
🗓️👉2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣
👕👉💪⚫️🔵💪
Milan #Skriniar  🖤💙

I dettagli 👉https://t.co/N6TqTgZPO3 pic.twitter.com/hrqarhje8N

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) May 16, 2019

Skriniar seems determined to find success with Inter and is a leading part of their ambitious project. Things are looking up under manager Antonio Conte, and the squad is filled with intriguing talent, including Lautaro Martinez, Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella and Sebastiano Esposito.

There's more young talent in the pipeline, as their academy is rated as one of the best in Italy. Earlier this month, the under-19 team demolished Barcelona on their own turf:

They'll have to keep hold of their top players in order to achieve their ambitions, and Skriniar is crucial to their plans. It will likely take a monstrous offer to lure him away from the club, and even then, he may not be keen on leaving.

Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez will reportedly be out for around three months after he underwent surgery on a dislocated ankle.

In a statement on Inter's official website, the club confirmed that after consultation with Dr Ramon Cugat in Barcelona, Sanchez had an operation on his left ankle on Wednesday afternoon to address the injury he suffered while on international duty with Chile.

The club said the procedure "went exactly as planned."

According to Goal, the surgery will keep him out of action for three months, so he won't feature again until 2020.

Sanchez joined Inter on loan from Manchester United in the summer, with the Italian club paying a quarter of his £400,000 basic weekly wage.

Opta's Duncan Alexander put his earnings in perspective:

If you'd saved £1 every single day since Æthelstan was crowned King of England in 925 you'd have enough to have paid Alexis Sanchez's Man Utd wages for one week.

— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) October 16, 2019

The 30-year-old had only made four appearances for Inter since his arrival.

After brief cameos against Udinese and Lazio, he made his first start for Inter against Sampdoria at the end of September.

It was an eventful full debut, as he scored two goals—albeit the latter has since been given to Stefano Sensi—and was then sent off less than a minute into the second half with a second yellow card for simulation:

😂 Does this count as Alexis Sanchez's first goal for Inter?

🔵⚫Stefano Sensi hits one from distance and the Chilean's back helps it in to put the Nerazzurri 1-0 up against Sampdoria! pic.twitter.com/UbTM5CxoNW

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 28, 2019

⚽ The first one might have been fortunate, but there's no doubting this is Alexis Sanchez's goal!

⚫🔵 A dream start for Inter and a perfect spell for the new No. 7⃣ pic.twitter.com/DbtGhcyy1o

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 28, 2019

🔴 SANCHEZ SENT OFF FOR DIVING!

🙈 Two goals and now a red card for Alexis Sanchez on his first start for Inter! pic.twitter.com/ceK4VWNvaO

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 28, 2019

Sanchez missed Inter's next Serie A game as they lost 2-1 to Juventus, but he was able to feature against former club Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

He set up Lautaro Martinez in the second minute, and sports writer Andy West praised his performance:

Alexis Sanchez looking world class tonight. Haven't said that for a while.

— Andy West (@andywest01) October 2, 2019

Despite his efforts, Barca came back to win the game 2-1.

His sending off aside, it had been a promising start to his Inter career after a dismal spell at Old Trafford in which he scored just five goals in 18 months.  

A lengthy lay-off will be a significant setback in his attempts to reignite his career, while Inter will also be without a first-team forward, so it's imperative Martinez and Romelu Lukaku remain fit in the meantime.

Inter Milan have been dealt a blow after forward Alexis Sanchez picked up an ankle injury while on international duty with Chile.

He hobbled out of Saturday's 0-0 friendly draw with Colombia, and the Football Federation of Chile subsequently confirmed he suffered a "dislocation of the tendons" in his left ankle, per Football Italia.

The report added "more tests will be needed" and also explained "the wording of the statement suggests it is possible surgery will be required."

The problem is a further blow to the 30-year-old, who only moved on loan to Inter in the summer after a disappointing spell with Manchester United.

He has suffered a series of injury problems in recent seasons and has been unable to rediscover the prolific form that made him such a huge success at Arsenal.

Sanchez's problems at Old Trafford saw him slip down the pecking order behind the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard in manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans.

As a result, he moved to Inter in August, and he has scored one goal in three Serie A appearances in 2019-20.

Sanchez will now have to get back to full fitness before trying to rediscover his best form at the San Siro. 

The former Barcelona star scored just two goals last season for the Red Devils. The first came in a 3-2 win over Newcastle United in October, and he had to wait until the club's FA Cup fourth-round win over former side Arsenal in January to double his tally.

The forward appears to have lost some of the tenacity, explosive pace and strength that characterised his time at Arsenal, and his latest injury is yet another setback in a stalling career.

Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte thinks Romelu Lukaku "needs to train more" following the team's defeat to Juventus in Serie A on Sunday. 

The Nerazzurri's perfect start to the 2019-20 season was ended in Week 7 after they were beaten 2-1 on home soil by the defending champions. Following goals from Paulo Dybala and Lautaro Martinez in the first half, Gonzalo Higuain settled the game 10 minutes from time for Juve.

While a number of strikers shone in the contest at San Siro, Lukaku struggled to make an impact on the game. Conte said afterwards that the former Manchester United man needs to put more work in on the training pitch, per Sacha Pisani of Goal:

"Romelu is definitely a player that must train more, because being a player with a massive body he needs to train, to play, to be in great shape. In this beginning of the season he had this back issue, now he's been dealing with this other quadricep issue since the game against Lazio.

"But I think he gave everything, it's inevitable that against Barcelona we didn't have Lukaku and it was important to have him. And we didn't have him. However, Romelu as well was very committed today, he tried to do his best, and now let's hope he can leave these little issues behind him and be at his 100 per cent."

Here are highlights from the game in Milan, where Juventus moved back to the top of the Italian top flight:

As Conte noted, Lukaku was a doubt for the encounter on Sunday, although he did end up featuring in the fixture. 

The Belgian toiled against a strong Juventus defence for long spells, though. As broadcaster Mina Rzouki noted, Bianconeri centre-back Leonardo Bonucci was able to nullify the influence of the Inter forward:

Bonucci great on Lukaku. Overall Juventus dominates proceedings and proved the better club. I expected more brilliance from Inter but maybe they’ll do more in the second half.

— Mina Rzouki (@Minarzouki) October 6, 2019

Although he wasn't at full fitness, the match showed why some wouldn't consider Lukaku to be among the game's world-class strikers.

The Belgium international can struggle with his hold-up play and awareness in the final third. While he tends to be clinical when chances come his way, Lukaku has become renowned for having an erratic first touch, which is something elite defenders can capitalise on.

SB Nation's Zito Madu commented on why he thinks Lukaku can frustrate at times:

Lukaku really seems like he over-thinks the small stuff that he messes up on. Like playing a one-two, you can see him thinking about the return pass so much that he forgets where his teammate is going and passes it to where the teammate was before.

— Zito (@_Zeets) October 6, 2019

Conte has traditionally demanded a lot from his centre-forwards. In addition to scoring goals, the Italian will want Lukaku to be a focal point for the team and someone who can occupy defenders so other attacking players can thrive.

It's been a positive start to life at Inter for Lukaku. However, Conte is a coach who always demands more from his players, and that type of determination should benefit the forward as he seeks to add new facets to his game.

Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella has said Chelsea were interested in signing him in January, but he's pleased he ended up moving to the San Siro.

Barella was playing his football at Cagliari last term and continued to add to his reputation as one of Serie A's rising stars. Inter eventually secured his signature ahead of the 2019 campaign, with the Italy international signing an initial loan deal that includes an obligation to make the transfer permanent.

Following his impressive performances in the Italian top flight, Barella was linked with a number of high-profile clubs. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Stephen Darwin of Goal), he confirmed Chelsea were keen on a mid-season transfer last term.

"Chelsea had been looking to sign me in January; the negotiations were concrete," the 22-year-old said. "At Cagliari, I said: 'It is not an easy time for the team. I will stay until the end of the season. Then I will make a decision.'"

Getting Barella through the door was a coup for Inter, and he's shown flashes of quality in his outings so far. He has made six Serie A appearances for his new team, starting three, and has helped Inter string together six wins in succession in their bid for the Scudetto.

Barella also started in Inter's 2-1 loss to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. While the team eventually slipped to defeat, manager Antonio Conte would have been pleased with aspects of the performance, including Barella's display:

🤜 | FIGHTER

Nicolò #Barella was involved in 2⃣0⃣ individual duels this evening, more than any other player on the Camp Nou pitch 🇮🇹⚫️🔵

(source: @OptaPaolo)#BarçaInter #UCL #ForzaInter pic.twitter.com/7UtSTif0DF

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) October 2, 2019

The Scouted Football account provided the numbers from a recent impressive performance from Barella in the win over Lazio and suggested he aligns well with the traits of his manager:

Barella could prove to be an extremely reliable player for Antonio Conte's Inter side this season. They're pragmatic and he's all-action.

He complements his steeliness and engine with some real class and craft on the ball. He's been great in the last couple of games.

— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) September 25, 2019

In the same interview, Barella said he's delighted to be working under Conte and that his switch to Inter is the realisation of a dream:

"He [Conte] has a different attitude, a way of talking to you that gives you something new. I'd die for him—that applies to all his players. And that makes the difference. Do you see how Conte's teams run? It's not only because they are well-prepared. It is the outcome of what he puts in your head.

"Years ago I wrote all my goals down. The first was to get to Serie A with Cagliari: I succeeded. Then there was also the one to wear the Inter shirt: done."

Per Italian football journalist David Amoyal, following a summer of sound recruitment, Inter are well-positioned to challenge for the title in Italy:

Marotta hired Conte, got rid of all the bad apples on the squad, brought in Godin, Lukaku, Barella & Sensi to raise the level of talent. Hard to argue against Inter being vastly improved at least on paper

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) September 2, 2019

Inter's mettle will be tested significantly on Sunday, as they welcome defending champions Juventus to the San Siro.

While Barella would have been a smart addition, Chelsea are stacked with midfield options, with Frank Lampard calling on the likes of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante frequently this season. He also has Mason Mount, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to play in a more attacking role if required.

Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte has hit out at the referee following his side's clash with Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, saying "respect must be mutual."

Inter were beaten 2-1 on the night, with Lautaro Martinez's early goal cancelled out by two strikes from Luis Suarez in the second period.

During the game, Conte was noticeably unhappy with match official Damir Skomina, particularly after the referee waved away a penalty appeal after Inter's Stefano Sensi went down in the area. Speaking post-match, the Italian manager outlined why he was so frustrated with the officiating at the Camp Nou, per Josh Thomas of Goal:

"We deserved more. I am bitter because I have seen some situations that I did not like. There were things that I did not like from the beginning, but I don't want to talk about that. On the bench we had some feelings I did not like.

"What did the referee tell me? Nothing, he came to warn me and he said he would send me off at the next opportunity.

"Referees have on their shirt the word 'respect' and it is the only thing I have asked. They must respect those who come here to try to do better than the other team. Respect must be mutual."

Conte added that his team need to "be better at capitalising on the opportunities" they create, with the defeat "undeserved" in his eyes.

Ed Malyon of The Athletic was surprised by how good Inter were in the first half:

Inter so, so much better than I expected. Lead Barcelona 1-0 at HT but it should be more. Laucha Martinez with the goal but I'd never seen Stefano Sensi before and wow he's good

— Ed Malyon (@eaamalyon) October 2, 2019

The Serie A side were dominant against Barcelona in the early exchanges. After going ahead with just two minutes on the clock, they had a chance to put the game beyond their hosts but were profligate with their chances before the Spanish champions recovered after the break.

There will be plenty of aspects of the game that Conte will be content with, though, and his players have seemingly taken to his methods quickly since his appointment in the summer.

Italian football writer David Amoyal praised the impact the former Chelsea and Juventus boss has been able to have at the San Siro already:

How many managers you definitely taking over Conte? I’m impressed that so far he’s been able to improve on what Spalletti left him while in past I saw him as the perfect A to B manager, someone you hire when you need to rebuild- now he looks also like a B to C coach

— David Amoyal (@DavidAmoyal) October 2, 2019

Miguel Delaney of The Independent thinks the Nerazzurri have got one of the best managers in the game:

They might yet lose at Camp Nou, but Conte: Chelsea's best manager since 2007. A brilliant coach.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) October 2, 2019

As much as Conte will be keen to take positives from Wednesday’s loss, the team face an uphill struggle to qualify from their Champions League group. They have just one point from their first two games, having drawn 1-1 with Slavia Prague on Matchday 1; next up is a double-header with Borussia Dortmund.

Conte will hope his players can quickly shake off the disappointment of the loss in Catalonia given they have a huge game on Sunday. Inter will be seeking to extend their perfect record in Serie A when they welcome Italian champions Juventus to the San Siro.

Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte has said summer signing Alexis Sanchez still isn't ready to start for the club. 

Sanchez made the move to the Italian side from Manchester United, joining on an initial season-long loan. Inter supporters have had to be patient to get a proper glimpse of their new acquisition, though, with the Chile international only playing 10 minutes of football so far this term.

Speaking ahead of the team's clash with Lazio in Serie A on Wednesday, Conte said Sanchez will not be in the XI once again, per Jamie Smith of Goal.

"For him, it is worth the words I give for everyone else," the manager said. "When I see ready players, they will be inserted [into the XI]. I have to work in the interest of Inter, not of individuals."

The decision to hold Sanchez back in the early weeks of the campaign is understandable for Conte.

After all, the former Arsenal and Barcelona man only completed his switch to Inter late in the summer market. Additionally, Sanchez played for Chile at the summer's Copa America, meaning his preparations for the new campaign were disrupted.

Sanchez's only outing so far was a 10-minute substitute appearance in the team's 1-0 win over Udinese on September 14.

Here is the moment the Chilean made his Inter debut:

🔵⚫ Inter still looking to seal all 3 points with 10 minutes remaining

⬆ Enter Alexis Sanchez!

📺 Watch the finale live on Premier Sports 1 pic.twitter.com/zMLYEmIOkK

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 14, 2019

There's no major rush to get Sanchez into the starting XI either, as the team is performing well as it is. The Nerazzurri sit top of the Italian top flight after four games, having won all of their matches so far in Serie A.

On Sunday, they got one over on rivals AC Milan, with Marcelo Brozovic and Romelu Lukaku on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win:

With Conte working his magic at Inter, it would appear that Sanchez will eventually come into a side that's functioning well.

Lukaku has enjoyed a strong start to the season in attack and appears ready to seize his chance of a fresh start away from United following a permanent transfer. Lautauro Martinez has typically lined up alongside the Belgian in attack, although has yet to hit top gear.

Italian football journalist Adam Digby said he thinks Sanchez can help Inter become even more potent in attack:

3/3 I think the unselfishness of Sanchez/Politano will be a better foil for Lukaku & Martinez can become an alternative to the Belgian as the no.9

— Adam Digby (@Adz77) September 21, 2019

Sanchez was one of the most feared attacking players in the Premier League before he made the switch to Manchester United in January 2018. At Old Trafford, he was a shadow of the player who terrified opposition defenders with his movement, aggression and incision with the ball at his feet in an Arsenal shirt.

Conte is potentially an ideal coach for Sanchez, as he's not only tactically astute but renowned for lighting a fire under underperforming players. When he eventually gets a run of games, it'll be fascinating to see what version of the Chilean Inter get.

Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte took aim at Italian fans over racism and a culture of insults, saying the situation regressed during his time away from Serie A.

The former Juventus, Chelsea and Italy coach faced the press ahead of Saturday's derby match against AC Milan, and he did not shy away from criticising his homeland, per Football Italia:

"Racism is a problem in Italy, but so is any kind of insult, and after three years away, I find Italy has regressed.

"People write exclusively to foment hatred. Italy has become far worse lately and we are all to blame. We're talking about something that educates the next generation to hate and engage in violence.

"In England, if two or three fans try something, they get put in prison and the key thrown away. Here, the fans go to the stadium exclusively to insult: the opposition, the players, people of another colour.

"It would be wonderful to see fans attend games just to cheer on their own team. Children ought to hear that instead of observing these hostile atmospheres that are right on the borderline."

Romelu Lukaku was the target of racist abuse during a 2-1 win over Cagliari earlier in September, facing monkey noises as he scored the winning penalty. Per sports writer Oluwashina Okeleji, the Sardinians have a lengthy history of abusing black players:

Oct 2010: Eto’o responded to racist chants from Cagliari fans by scoring in Inter’s 1-0 win.

Apr 2017: Cagliari fans racially abused Muntari

Jan 2018: Matuidi abused in Cagliari.

Apr 2019: Cagliari fans racially abused Moise Kean.

Sep 2019: Lukaku racially abused in Cagliari. pic.twitter.com/5nNLQVacR0

— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) September 1, 2019

The Italian Football Federation decided not to punish the club, however. Football Italia noted the same press release failed to mention a similar incident involving Milan's Franck Kessie and Hellas Verona fans altogether:

BREAKING NEWS: #Cagliari avoid punishment for racially abusing Romelu Lukaku, #Verona not mentioned at all over Franck Kessie chants. More to follow... #FCIM #ACMilan #SerieA #NoToRacism #KickItOut pic.twitter.com/586mjyl7gL

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) September 17, 2019

The Lukaku incident took another turn when Inter ultras defended the Cagliari fans. In a bizarre statement, they denied the abuse was racist in nature and said racism isn't a problem in the country, unlike in "north European countries."

Sports writer Siavoush Fallahi couldn't believe it:

Lukaku gets a fantastic start, scores two goals in two games, shuts up the racists and this is the reaction from CN because the guy talked about racism in a bigger perspective ? I can’t believe my eyes

— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) September 3, 2019

Conte has made it clear he feels the same way, which will add yet another layer to what is already shaping up to be an intense derby.

The Nerazzurri lead the Serie A standings after three matches and have a shot at the title after an impressive summer. Lukaku headlined a transfer haul that also included Alexis Sanchez, Diego Godin, Nicolo Barella, Stefano Sensi and others.

Milan should provide Conte and his troops with their first real challenge of the Serie A season, having won two of their three matches.

Luciano Passirani, who was sacked from his punditry role after comments made about Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku, has said he is "not a racist."

The Italian was dismissed by TopCalcio24 after he said the only way to stop Lukaku is "if you have 10 bananas to give him."

Speaking to Telelombardia (h/t Corriere dello Sport, via Harry Latham-Coyle of The Independent), Passirani denied he is racist:

"I am 80 years old. I have been in the world of football for 40 years, I have never received a disqualification for behaviour in any of the roles I have held, but I accept the decision made against me.

"I would like not to pass for a racist. My partner who has lived with me for 17 years is black, I have two little black granddaughters, my son's daughters. I am not a racist and I believe I am an educated person in every respect. In my career I met so many black players and I never had any problems."

He added that he would be open to apologising to Lukaku in person if there was an opportunity.

"I'm not a racist. I'd like to apologise to Lukaku in person. I wish I could meet him,"  Passirani said. "I did not sleep tonight, today I could not eat, a lack of tact and education does not belong to my way of being."

Per Latham-Coyle, following the comments made by Passirani on TopCalcio24, he was quickly removed from the show and condemned by the broadcaster's director, Fabio Ravezzani.

Lukaku has been the target of racist abuse previously since moving to Italy from Manchester United in the summer.

During Inter's win at Cagliari earlier in the season, monkey chants could clearly be heard as the striker stepped up to take a penalty:

The noise from the crowd when Romelu Lukaku was about to kick the penalty. 2019 it is. pic.twitter.com/LA6UvcdIDs

— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) September 1, 2019

As relayed by Latham-Coyle, a statement from some Inter ultras following the unsavoury scenes said Lukaku should view the chants as "not racist," rather a "form of respect."

Broadcaster Rebecca Watkins has been saddened by the racist abuse received by the Belgium international since his move:

https://twitter.com/RebeccaWatkinns/status/1173544806775230464

On Monday, Hellas Verona released two statements denying that their fans racially abused AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie during the clash between the two sides in Serie A on Sunday. Kessie's agent has since told La Repubblica (h/t Football Italia) he feels Verona "denies facts" and are "disgraceful."

On the field, Lukaku has had a strong start to the season. The 24-year-old has netted three times in four matches already in 2019-20 for club and country.

Alexis Sanchez will have the help and support of Antonio Conte during his bid to get his club career back on track after leaving Manchester United to move to Inter Milan on loan. 

Inter boss Conte discussed Sanchez's potential to make the grade during his second spell in Serie A, per Goal's Jamie Smith: "Sanchez is a strong player, he has shown in the past the quality that he possesses. We need to help him recapture the form that he lost at Manchester United. He has to adapt to our game and that is what he is doing."

Sanchez joined the Nerazzurri for the rest of the season late on during the European summer transfer window earlier this month. It brought to an end, temporarily at least, a miserable spell in the red half of Manchester that began in the winter of 2018.

United acquired Sanchez from Premier League rivals Arsenal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan going the other way. The latter also didn't thrive after the switch and took a similar escape route to Italy, joining AS Roma on loan.

Mkhitaryan floundered with the Gunners, but he had also been struggling in a United shirt. By contrast, Sanchez had been one of the best players in England's top flight during his three-and-a-half seasons in north London.

His goals, pace and flair lifted Arsenal to a pair of FA Cup triumphs over Aston Villa and Chelsea in 2015 and 2017. Sanchez scored in both finals and was the undisputed attacking talisman of a team otherwise undermined by defensive frailties and injuries in midfield.

Alexis Sanchez: Since moving to the Premier League in 2014, only Sergio Aguero (76), Romelu Lukaku (75) and Harry Kane (74) have had a direct hand in more goals from open play than @Alexis_Sanchez (70 -- 48 goals, 22 assists)

Full player stats -- https://t.co/ojSfRKiTBQ pic.twitter.com/cCDbYr82wn

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) January 22, 2018

However, the Chilean rarely came close to recapturing the same magic at Old Trafford:

£1.3m per game
£13.6m per goal

The damning stats set to end Alexis Sanchez's Manchester United career: https://t.co/4967HQOUig pic.twitter.com/BJz7ckVY93

— Fox Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) August 15, 2019

Numbers like those made it essential for United to offload the club's highest earner and biggest under-performer. Even so, there has to be an element of regret among those connected to the Red Devils they were never able to unlock the match-winning star power Sanchez had consistently shown for the Gunners.

Jose Mourinho, who occupied the United dugout at the time of Sanchez's arrival in Manchester, has suggested he was perhaps "not capable to get into him and to get the best out of him," per Sam Wallace of The Daily Telegraph.

Mourinho noted how Sanchez rarely appeared happy, something making a return to Italy a smart career move for the 30-year-old. The forward built his reputation among Europe's elite as a star for Udinese, eventually earning a move to Barcelona in 2011.

During the same time Sanchez also became the marquee presence for his country. It's a role he still merits, despite his lacklustre displays for United:

Alexis Sanchez:

Mins per goal contribution for Chile at the #CopaAmerica -- 5⃣9⃣

Mins per goal contribution for Manchester United in the Premier League last season -- 2⃣1⃣9⃣.3⃣

For more player stats -- https://t.co/ojSfRKiTBQ pic.twitter.com/AHBQeqXAX3

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) June 22, 2019

Ironically, Sanchez could make his Inter debut against Udinese at the San Siro on Saturday.

Sanchez's ongoing brilliance for Chile, combined with another tour in a division he once bossed as a younger player, should add up to some special performances for Inter. It will help to play alongside Romelu Lukaku, who also left United for Inter, albeit on a permanent deal, this summer.

Conte has saluted Lukaku as a "true team player," per Smith, and Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has noticed the positive difference in the centre-forward since he became a member of the Nerazzurri:

Romelu Lukaku can't stop smiling after moving to Inter 😁 pic.twitter.com/21bJG89nwo

— GOAL (@goal) September 9, 2019

Sanchez routinely tormented Conte's Chelsea teams, but if the Italian can foster a prolific partnership between his two United imports Inter will have the ammunition needed to unseat division kingpin Juventus.