Al-Hilal’s Inzaghi plays down ‘Unfair Accusations’ Over Inter Exit Timeline

New Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi has defended his commitment to his former club, Inter Milan, following comments from the Saudi Arabian club’s CEO suggesting an agreement for his appointment was reached before Inter’s UEFA Champions League final defeat.

In a recent interview with the BBC, Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada stated that the deal for Inzaghi was “decided but not signed before the final,” and that the Italian coach had requested they “keep things aside until after the final” out of respect for Inter Milan. This revelation prompted Italian media to question whether knowledge of the impending move impacted Inter’s performance in their 5-0 loss to Paris St-Germain in Munich last month.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of Al-Hilal’s FIFA Club World Cup opener against Real Madrid, Inzaghi addressed the speculation.

“Today I heard — or heard about — all sorts of things, as has often happened during the four years I was at Inter,” the Italian manager said. “If this was the price to pay for my four years at Inter, I’ll gladly pay it. But it’s nothing compared to the good I received from the entire Inter world — I mean the fans, the management, the players, everyone at Inter.”

Inzaghi, who won six trophies during his four-year tenure at Inter, including a Serie A title, left the club just days after the Champions League final.

“I know I’ll miss it — I’ll miss everything, even this — even the most unfair accusations that were made over these four years,” he continued. “But I was truly happy. I gave my all.”

Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta, when asked about the controversy before his team’s Club World Cup match against Monterrey on Tuesday, chose not to comment directly on the timeline.

“I don’t chase after rumours, denials, or other people’s behaviour — everyone knows what they’ve done,” Marotta stated. “A cycle has ended and we thank Simone Inzaghi for all he’s given us, but now there’s a new cycle to open and focus on. Inter’s story moves forward and doesn’t depend on individuals.”

Inzaghi’s first match in charge of Al-Hilal is a high-profile encounter against Real Madrid in the United States on Wednesday.