Simone Inzaghi has responded firmly to speculation surrounding the timing of his move to Al-Hilal, stating that he remained fully committed to Inter Milan until the end of his tenure. His comments came after Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada revealed that an agreement with Inzaghi had been reached before Inter’s Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain—but was kept quiet at the manager’s request out of respect for Inter.
Inzaghi, who spent four seasons at the club, left earlier this month after the 3–0 defeat in Munich, ending a successful domestic spell that included a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia wins, and three Italian Super Cups, but no European silverware.
Calzada’s remarks triggered questions in Italy over whether Inzaghi’s impending departure had impacted the team’s performance in the final. Addressing the media before Al-Hilal’s Club World Cup opener against Real Madrid, Inzaghi dismissed the doubts:
“If this was the price to pay for my four years at Inter, I’ll gladly pay it. I gave my all.”
He added that while he would miss Inter deeply—including the criticisms—he left with a sense of pride and gratitude.
Inter President Beppe Marotta, meanwhile, avoided direct comment on the timing of the deal but acknowledged Inzaghi’s contributions, stating:
“A cycle has ended and we thank Simone Inzaghi… Inter’s story moves forward and doesn’t depend on individuals.”
As Al-Hilal prepares to face Real Madrid, Inzaghi now enters a new chapter in his managerial career—his first outside Europe—while Inter begins a transition of its own.
