Joao Mario has apologised to Inter Milan for his verbal outburst last summer while simultaneously taking a swipe at West Ham United fans.
Mario spent the second half of last season on loan with the Hammers having been frozen out by Luciano Spalletti, and was expected to depart last summer after launching a verbal tirade towards the club.
What did Mario say about Inter? Five key things to know…
- Whilst on loan at West Ham Mario declared he would not return to Inter Milan.
- The midfielder stated: “there’s no fire inside me to rekindle with the Nerazzurri”.
- Mario later warned Sporting CP players who had rescinded their contracts to stay away from Italy.
- As such, it looked certain Mario would leave last summer, but he has since played a more prominent role this season.
- Mario has now asked for forgiveness while suggesting Inter fans are better than West Ham fans.
The Portuguese international was snapped up by then-manager David Moyes in east London after mustering just five Serie A starts last term, and he quickly established himself as a vital player as West Ham steered the threat of relegation.
The Hammers opted not sign Mario permanently and he has since featured more frequently under Spalletti this season, leading to an apology for his summer outburst.
“Obviously I’m sorry,” he told reporters.
“You learn from mistakes and that was a mistake. I have to respect a team like Inter who spent so much to sign me, and I’m very happy to have been given a second chance here.”
Mario cited the passion of Inter fans as one of the main reason for his return, believing the Nerazzurri faithful are not “quiet” like fans in England.
He added: “The Inter fans were also crucial. For them I was both an idol and a bad player. It would be great if I found the right balance.
“I’ve been in England and they’re all too quiet there. I prefer the warmth of our fans.”
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Mario influence helped convince Cedric to sign
Having publicly condemned the Italian top-flight last summer, Mario has certainly changed his tune in recent months, going as far as to convince his Portuguese teammate Cedric Soares to join Inter.
The Southampton full-back joined the Italian giants in the January transfer window for the remainder of the season, and the club will have the option to sign him permanently in the summer.
Speaking on his move two months ago, Cedric claimed Mario gave a gushing account of the club, which would have seemed unthinkable last summer following his previous comments.
In January, Cedric said: “I’ve also spoken with my friend and compatriot Joao Mario.
“Joao Mario is a friend, not just a teammate. We grew up at the same club, and it’s a pleasure that he’s here and that I’ll be able to play with him once more.
“He’s told me a lot of things about Inter. He said that they are a team who like to control games.”
The duo will be looking for more game time having both started on the bench for the previous three Serie A matches.
The post Joao Mario apologises to Inter while criticising “quiet” West Ham fans appeared first on Squawka News.
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