Inter Milan forward Ivan Perisic has revealed the appointment of Luciano Spalletti stopped him from joining Manchester United.
The 29-year-old Croatian international saw his name heavily linked with the Red Devils throughout the summer of 2017 but he ultimately remained in Milan.
Mourinho’s admiration of Perisic. Five things you need to know…
- A graduate of French club Sochaux, the Split-born footballer would play in Belgium (Club Brugge) and Germany (Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg) before joining Inter Milan in 2015.
- Perisic has become an instrumental figure with his ability to play on either flank or behind the centre-forward.
- His performances attracted the attention of Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, who told United Extra in July 2018 that he “wanted” Perisic.
- United were heavily linked with the Croat, renowned for his workmanlike attitude and directness, in the summer of 2017 but a transfer never transpired.
- To date, Perisic has bagged 33 goals and created a further 31 for his inter teammates across 135 appearances.
United boss Jose Mourinho, according to reports, was determined to land Perisic as he wanted to bolster his attacking options, left confused as to why the World Cup finalist did not make the switch to Old Trafford.
An offer was lodged and Perisic seriously contemplated a move to England, however the arrival of Spalletti as Inter managed changed everything, the former AS Roma head coach was determined to keep hold of the flying winger a move that convinced him to stay put.
“It’s true that an offer from Manchester United was on the table – I was really close to leaving Inter,” he told FourFourTwo.
“When Luciano Spalletti arrived [in June 2017], he showed tremendous desire to keep me in the team and made it clear he didn’t want to lose me. That was very encouraging, and I haven’t regretted my decision to stay at Inter. In football, small details in these situations are key.
“Admiration from a coach like Mourinho is definitely something that flattered me. It’s confirmation of hard work and good performances,” Perisic added.
“When you’re praised by a guy like Mourinho – the manager of a huge club like Man United – it’s difficult not to think about such an offer. I’m glad he has a high opinion of me. These things motivate me to work and train hard, to achieve the best performances.”
Two-footed Perisic the ideal target
The future of Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is uncertain.
Despite progressing to the Champions League knockout phase it’s the Red Devils performances in the Premier League that has so many worried.
United already find themselves more than 12 points behind leaders and defending champions Manchester City with top-four no longer guaranteed.
Mourinho would lament a lack of backing in the transfer market, but that is not being swallowed, with many feeling he’s got more than a good enough squad at his disposal.
READ MORE: Saints replacing Hughes? Man Utd extend De Gea deal? Five big transfer stories from this week
But, that being said, you can see why he’d have been keen to acquire the services of Perisic – considered by Mourinho to be unique to any other winger in Europe.
Perisic, as he displayed at this summer’s World Cup, is a footballer continually on the move. With the ball at either foot he’s direct, without it, he is relentless. He would also be another goalscoring outlet for the 13-time English champions who often rely on their Belgian marksman, Romelu Lukaku.
What makes Perisic even more special is his two-footedness: since the 2011/12 season, he’s bagged 67 goals in league and European competition.
Just under half of those goals (33) have come via his right foot, with 22 with the left. The final 12 have all been headers and it is this unpredictability that has attracted Mourinho for so long.
QUIZ: Can you name the most expensive transfer fees ever paid for a player by Manchester United
Perisic didn’t join, but can you name Manchester United’s top 20 most expensive signings?
Let us know how you got on in the comments below or via Twitter (@Squawka).
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