Sneijder transfer nears completion

Pa
Thursday 27 August 2009 05:20 EDT
Comments
Sneijder had wanted to stay at Real
Sneijder had wanted to stay at Real (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Wesley Sneijder feels he is swapping "one great club for another" as he prepares to complete his move from Real Madrid to Inter Milan.

Although the transfer has yet to be officially confirmed by either Madrid or Inter, media reports in Spain suggest a deal has been finalised for the 25-year-old Dutchman to join the Italian champions for a fee of around 15million euros.

Speaking to Marca about the seemingly imminent switch, Sneijder admits it is not easy to say goodbye to Madrid after two years at the Bernabeu but insists he is now looking forward to his new life at the San Siro.

"I'm going with my head high. I'm going to a great team, there's no doubt about that. I've been very happy here but now I have to look ahead and focus on my new team," said the former Ajax midfielder, who is set to bid farewell to his Madrid team-mates at their Valdebebas training ground this morning.

"The truth is that I was very happy here, it's something I cannot deny. It makes me sad to go but that's the way it is. That's life. Now the only thing I can say is that I'm happy. I'm changing one great club for another great club."

Although Sneijder preferred not to talk too much about the circumstances surrounding his exit from Madrid, he admitted he found it odd that the club were willing to sell him even though coach Manuel Pellegrini appeared to want him to stay.

"What has happened with me is something very strange. The coach said he counted on me but there are people at the club who don't," said Sneijder, who admits to having been left with a bad taste in the mouth.

"They have treated me very badly but I prefer not to talk about it.

"I'm going to give everything there (Inter). Life and football move on."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in