Inter Milan have finally completed the signing of Christian Eriksen from Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £16.8m fee on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
Eriksen, whose contract with Tottenham was expiring at the end of the season, flew to Milan from London on Monday for completing the necessary procedures, and his move will reportedly earn him a whopping £6.5m per season plus bonuses. It is understood that Barcelona too were in contention for his signature, but following their enquiry on Thursday last week, there was no news from Catalonia.
Eriksen made 305 appearances for Tottenham during his six-and-a-half-year stint, scoring 69 goals and 89 assists, and will wear No 24 shirt at his new club.
“I couldn't wait to get there, being here is beautiful and I'm happy to be a new Inter player,” the midfielder told Inter TV.
👕 | SHIRT
— Inter (@Inter_en) January 28, 2020
The shirt number selected by @ChrisEriksen8! 👇⚫️🔵#WelcomeChristian #NotForEveryone pic.twitter.com/fhUFcaFXlL
“I am very excited and I can't wait to get to know the fans, I have already had the opportunity to feel their warmth, it was a fantastic welcome. I feel great.
“Honestly I'm not one who cares a lot about numbers, but I know that people like them and testify that I did a lot well in England.
“Now the time has come to take on a new challenge, I am very happy to be able to play in Serie A and with a great club like Inter, it is a fantastic club.”
✍️🤝 | SEALING THE DEAL@ChrisEriksen8 😍⚫️🔵#WelcomeChristian #NotForEveryone pic.twitter.com/fM7rxrc9V3
— Inter (@Inter_en) January 28, 2020
Inter initially seemed reluctant on matching Tottenham’s asking price, but the need of acquiring reinforcements forced them to go all out for the midfielder. After enjoying a few days on the top of the Serie A chart, Inter slipped on their by playing three back-to-back draws, allowing Juventus to claim the top spot.
Having said that, Eriksen has become third winter signing for Inter, following the footsteps of Ashley Young and Victor Moses. Young, meanwhile, has already asserted his claim in Serie A by proving an invaluable assist inside 30 minutes on his debut.
We are delighted to announce that we have exercised the option to convert the loan of @LoCelsoGiovani from Real Betis to a permanent transfer.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 28, 2020
✍️ Gio has signed a contract with the Club until 2025. #THFC ⚪️ #COYS
Tottenham, on their part, didn’t take long in announcing that midfielder Giovani Lo Celso has been acquired on a permanent basis. The Argentine was playing on loan from Real Betis, and has penned down a five-year deal with the club.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @Inter_en