How Inter blackmailed and ruined Spalletti’s move to AC Milan

Luciano Spalletti was very close to becoming the new coach of AC Milan but his former club Inter blocked his return at San Siro.

Luciano Spalletti will not be Milan’s next coach. The 60-year-old was very close to swapping Inter for AC Milan but despite concrete contacts between the parties it was not possible to reached a deal in time.

The Italian coach had agreed a two-year deal with an option for a third at 4.5 million euros per season. However, there was was catch. Luciano Spalletti was still under contract with Inter until 2021.

In order for him to become the new coach of the Rossoneri he had to terminate his current deal with the Nerazzurri. Spalletti’s lawyers asked a severance payment from Inter, a figure of 4 million euros. A full year’s pay from his Inter contract.

Inter was willing to pay him the salary expected until December 2019, without going any further. A very low compensation considering Spalletti’s rich contract. At that point Inter blackmailed their former coach: “Either you resign or you don’t go to Milan”, reveals Corriere della Sera.

Relations between Inter and their former coach are fairly tense after his sacking at the end of last season. Spalletti considered Inter’s move to replace him with Antonio Conte a true betrayal and was eager to revenge on his ex club. AC Milan on the other have trusted the squad to Stefano Pioli.

READ MORE: Who is Stefano Pioli and why he’s a BAD choice for AC Milan