MILAN - A day in search of Patrick Vieira in the torrid heat of a Milanese August apparently seemed fruitless for the many journalists seeking news of the French midfielder's imminent move to Inter.
By mid-afternoon, Dr Massimo Moratti met journalists outside his offices to resolve any doubts, defining today as "Vieira's last day with the Bianconeri". The contract? "Yes, he should sign tomorrow." A four-year contract which in the coming twenty-four hours will see the French midfielder become an Inter player after making history for the Gunners at Arsenal.
Moratti also mentioned Toni and Ibrahimovic, adding: "Even if Toni wants to come to Inter, it does not just depend on him. Both Toni and Ibrahimovic are in the same situation. It depends on us, them and those who represent their clubs if one or the other comes. They are totally different players. Toni is the classic centre-forward while Ibrahimovic is a last-pass man who also knows how to score. But they are both very good."
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Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira is on his way to Inter, Nerazzurri owner Massimo Moratti confirmed on Tuesday.
The Frenchman was this morning linked with a move to Manchester United, but Moratti says a deal will be wrapped up in the next 24 hours.
“Today is Patrick Vieira’s last in Bianconero,” the oil tycoon stated. “I still haven’t met him, but he should sign his contract tomorrow and he is therefore an Interista.”
Vieira is believed to be in Milan after he flew into Europe’s fashion capital last night after his agent wrapped up talks with the club.
Moratti’s comments have also been confirmed by Juventus chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc in an interview with the L’Equipe newspaper.
“Inter and Juventus have settled on a fee for Vieira and everything is sorted out,” said the new Juve official.
"Patrick Vieira's departure for Inter will be the last operation done by Juventus this summer,” he concluded.
The Nerazzurri are expected to pay something close to £6.5m for the former Arsenal captain, who was signed by Juventus a year ago from the Premiership for just over £14m.
Vieira is now expected to put pen to paper on a four-year contract worth £3.5m a season once he passes his medical.
Inter were in need of a central midfielder after losing Juan Sebastian Veron who returned to his homeland earlier this summer.
Vieira’s arrival will now cast more doubt on the future of David Pizarro who already bemoaned a lack of first team opportunities at Inter last term.
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Great times to come!!
Looks officall! cant wait to see him wear it now!!!
Yeeeppeeee
Marcello