Ivan Perisic snubbed Manchester United after showdown talks with Inter Milan boss Luciano Spalletti
Says Croat star: 'The coach was very important to convince me to stay. I waited a long time for this moment'
IVAN PERISIC is as hungry for goals as ever.
The Croatian striker underlined his credentials with a hat-trick in Sunday's 5-0 thrashing of Chievo.
Only a few weeks ago the 28-year-old looked as though he might be joining Manchester United.
But a deal fell through with Perisic opting to stay at the San Siro after talks with Inter boss Luciano Spalletti.
Explained Perisic, who has scored seven goals and made six assists in his 15 starts this season:
"He said that all the players are important, even those who played less so far have done well.
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4Credit: ALBERTO LINGRIA
Luciano Spalletti was instrumental in keeping Perisic away from Old Trafford
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"The coach was very important to convince me to stay. I waited a long time for this moment."
Perisic's treble was his first hat-trick for Inter.
His goal tally already equals that of his first season in Serie A, which he folowed up with 11 strikes in 2016/17.
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Jose Mourinho was apparently desperate to sign Perisic.
But his decision to stay put looks justified given Spalletti’s side top the table for the first time in two years.
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Perisic's current deal will keep him in Milan until 2022 and he remains focused on helping Inter battle for the title.
A tough trip to defending champions Juventus beckons next weekend.
He added: "We must continue like this, as we waited a long time for this moment to come and now we want to win at Juventus."