Inter: Ausilio denies Neymar talks, comments on Hojlund, Lookman | OneFootball

The sporting director of Inter, Piero Ausilio, gave an exclusive interview to Corriere dello Sport, addressing numerous topics related to the Nerazzurri market, the bench, and his personal future.

Inter, Ausilio clarifies: “Neymar? A complete falsehood. Never negotiated. On Hojlund, Lookman, and the regret of Gasperini…”

Among denials, confirmations, and reflections, the director clearly reconstructed some of the main market rumors of recent months.

“I’m happy at Inter, never thought of leaving”

Ausilio wanted to dismiss any speculation about leaving Inter, reaffirming his bond with the club: “I’m happy where I am, I have a contract until 2027. In the past, I have also received more financially advantageous offers, but I never moved from here.” A declaration of loyalty, confirming the solidity of the relationship between the director and the Nerazzurri ownership.

“Neymar? Never negotiated, pure invention”

Among the most discussed topics, Ausilio firmly responded to the rumors circulated last spring regarding a possible contact between Inter and Neymar: “A complete falsehood. There was never any contact, neither with him nor with his entourage. Never heard from them and never made an offer.” A clarification that definitively puts an end to a market rumor that had sparked discussion between April and May.

Market objectives: Lookman, Koné, and Diouf

The sporting director then explained some behind-the-scenes details related to the summer market moves: “We tried for Lookman, believing he could offer us a different profile in attack. But Atalanta was unyielding.”

On Koné, he confirmed: “There was contact, but at a certain point, Roma informed us that nothing would come of it. At that point, we decided to move for Diouf.”

A picture that testifies to Inter's strategy, aimed at functional and sustainable profiles, without auctions or forcing.

“We also followed Hojlund, then they chose another path”

Among market regrets, Ausilio admitted a past interest in Rasmus Hojlund, now at Napoli and a protagonist in Serie A: “We followed him for a long time, then circumstances led us to other targets. He is a player we had observed closely, but at that moment there were no conditions to close.”

A revelation that adds a piece to the Nerazzurri market puzzle and confirms Inter's attention to young international talents.

The regret of Gasperini: “He stayed with us for a short time, I would have liked to work with him”

Speaking of the imminent challenge against Roma's Gian Piero Gasperini, Ausilio expressed great admiration for the Piedmontese coach, who in the past had a brief stint on the Inter bench: “He was with us for a very short time, but I would have liked to really work with him. He is an extraordinary coach, what he has built over the years is evident to everyone. An absolute top.”

The present: total confidence in Chivu

On the current Nerazzurri technical guidance, Cristian Chivu, Ausilio has no doubts: “He has everything we were looking for. He is the right man even for the ownership. He knows the house, the mentality, and represents our values.”

A strong endorsement, confirming the management's confidence in the current technical project. Ausilio also revealed some behind-the-scenes details about the names considered before the final choice: “Fabregas and De Zerbi? We did our surveys and drew our conclusions. Did they prefer not to move? That's what you say,” he replied with a smile to Ivan Zazzaroni.

The most influential coaches: “Spalletti and Conte, but I also admire Mancini and Ranieri”

Recalling the coaches who impressed him the most in his career as a director, Ausilio mentioned names of great stature: “The best I have seen working on the field are Spalletti and Conte. But Simone Inzaghi and Mancini also left their mark. And I add Ranieri, a person and a professional to whom I am very attached.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.