Ex Serie A Defender Reveals Truth Behind Brazil Star’s Move From Marseille to Inter Milan – “I Called Him And Told Him I Had To Sell Him” | OneFootball

Marseille sporting director and former Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia has revealed some background on the sale of Luis Henrique to Inter Milan this summer.

Speaking in an interview with the Corriere dello Sport, Benatia admitted: “In March, I called Luis Henrique and told him I had to sell him.”

Benatia continued, “I knew Inter were interested and there was a transfer fee to be agreed.”

Inter confirmed the move in June, signing the Brazilian on a five-year deal.

The transfer was completed for a reported fee of around €25 million plus add-ons.

Benatia Reveals Details Behind Luis Henrique Move To Inter Milan

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Luis Henrique of Internazionale gestures to the fans at the end of the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

However, Benatia revealed that he came to an agreement with the player, to try and make the most of his final months in France.

“I took him aside after training one day and explained everything,” Benatia said.

“I said I had to sell him, as they wanted him but he had to take us to the Champions League.”

The former Juventus man told the Brazilian:

“The better you play, the better it will be for Marseille and for you too.”

Marseille qualified comfortably for the Champions League in the end.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side finished 2nd in Ligue 1, some way off leaders PSG, however.

Luis Henrique helped the Ligue 1 side reach Europe’s top competition and then completed his move in June.

The Moroccan also discussed Italian coach Massimiliano Allegri, who he worked under at Juventus.

“I love him, we respect each other,” Benatia added, “He’s a great coach, perfect for Milan.”