Inter Milan officially announced the departure of faithful servant Milan Skriniar on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract on Friday.
The announcement of the Slovakia international’s exit was a mere formality, as both parties knew it was long coming after the player refused to negotiate a new deal at Giuseppe Meazza.
Since joining the club from Sampdoria in 2017, the 28-year-old has developed into one of the best-performing defenders in Europe, playing a significant part in the Nerazzurri’s return to prominence.
His arrival coincided with the Italians’ return to the Champions League after a six-year absence as Inter claimed a top-four finish in Italy’s top-flight during Skirniar’s first season in Lombardy in 2017/18.
After helping his team make a long-awaited Champions League comeback, the highly-rated centre-back won five major titles during his trophy-laden spell at Meazza.
With Skriniar holding the backline with authority and know-how, Inter won the Scudetto, two Coppa Italia crowns and two Supercoppa Italiana titles over the past three seasons.
He made 246 appearances for the Nerazzurri in all competitions spanning six seasons, netting 11 goals.
If it weren’t for a nasty back injury he picked up last February, Skriniar would’ve probably made Simone Inzaghi’s starting line-up in a 1-0 heartache against Manchester City in June’s Champions League final.
But after six memorable years at Inter, it’s time for Skriniar to say goodbye and move on.
What’s next?
The Slovak has been on Paris Saint-Germain’s shortlist since last summer when Inter used utmost effort to fend off the French heavyweights and keep hold of their star performer for another season.
However, Skirniar has always had his heart set on moving to the Parc des Princes, a transfer that’s now in jeopardy, even though he green-lighted Les Parisiens’ approach in May.
The record-time Ligue 1 champions are having second thoughts over the defender’s capacity to recover from a long-term injury, suggesting the track leading to his signature could go cold.
Adding to this sentiment, Lucas Hernandez was in Paris yesterday to complete his medicals before completing his switch from Bayern Munich, casting further doubt on Skriniar’s potential move.
If the reigning French champions were to drop their interest in the ex-Sampdoria man, the player could find himself strapped for options despite previously drawing the Premier League attention.
But there’s a feeling he’ll soon sign a contract in Paris.
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