Nicolo Barella has told CBS he owes Antonio Conte for what they achieved together at Inter Milan, amid claims the Tottenham Hotspur boss is considering a transfer for the midfielder.
Conte took Barella to the San Siro from Cagliari in 2019 on an initial loan deal that carried an obligation to buy. The Nerazzurri could end up paying as much as €50m (£42.5m) for the Italian maestro, including the €12m (£10m) loan fee and the €25m (£21m) purchase clause.
Inter finished Barella’s first term at the club second in the Serie A table, before winning the Scudetto in year-two. It was their first title in 11-years and ended Juventus nine-year reign.
Barella was a firm favourite of Conte’s throughout both seasons under his compatriot. He made 63 Serie A outings, and only watched two games from the bench by Conte’s choice.
Conte eying Tottenham reunion for Inter Milan star Barella
Conte is eying a reunion with Barella after taking charge at Tottenham following his call to leave Inter Milan. The Daily Mail cite the 24-year-old as one of the Spurs’ boss early targets.
However, since reports emerged of Conte’s interest in a Tottenham transfer for Barella, he has signed a new contract running to 2026 with Inter Milan worth €5m-a-year (£81k-a/w).
The deal will also further protect Inter Milan, should Tottenham try to satisfy Conte’s desire for a transfer for Barella. They valued him at €70m (£59m) this summer, per Leggo, as well.
Barella hails ‘extreme’ Conte
Conte’s retained admiration for Barella since taking charge at Tottenham is reciprocated by the Inter Milan star, too. He lauds the Italian tactician for what they achieved at the San Siro together, along with him as a coach.
“Wonderful,” Barella said of their time together. “It was an intense and difficult journey as working under Conte is very hard. The emotion of winning Serie A in 2020/21 was huge after a year of fighting for that and the Europa League. I owe Conte a lot.
“He brought me to Inter and wanted me here. He is an extreme coach who builds a winning mentality. He wants the whole team around him thinking only about winning. That is his great skill, plus being very tactically good. He gives you incredible winning belief.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
