Curtis Jones admits he has ‘wanted to come to Inter for a while’ and finally made the step away from Liverpool. ‘We can compete with the very best teams in the world. I hope it’ll be exciting.’
The midfielder had been pushing to come to San Siro since at least January, but even though his contract was running down at Anfield Road, Liverpool were not prepared to lower the €40m asking price.
They finally relented for a fee of €30m plus €5m in add-ons and a 10 per cent cut of the future sale fee, allowing him to fly in and complete his medical tests today, signing a contract to June 2031.
Sitting down with the official Inter channels for his first interview, the 25-year-old did not disguise that this move had been a long time coming.
Jones eager for Inter adventure
“It feels amazing. I’ve wanted to come to Inter for a while now, so I’m really excited,” said Jones.
He had spent his entire career with Liverpool, coming up through the youth academy of his hometown club, so this is a big change.
“I’m a Liverpool lad, a Scouser, and I’ve spent my whole life there. But at this stage of my career, I wanted to take the next step, and I think this is the perfect club for me to do that.
“The biggest thing was the feeling I had last season when I played against Inter in the Champions League and experienced the passion their fans have for the team. Of course, you can also talk about the trophies, the Club’s history and all the great players who have worn this shirt. But the fans were the decisive factor.
“I was out on the San Siro pitch and I could hear them singing and supporting the players throughout. Coming from Liverpool, I’ve always been used to that kind of love and support, that strong connection with the fans. I hope I can build that same special bond with the Inter supporters.”
Curiously, Inter only had three English players in their entire history, but then signed another three this summer alone in Jones, Djed Spence and John Stones.
“I haven’t spoken to them yet, but the fact that players like Stones and Spence have come to Inter shows the level of this team. Inter has an incredible history, the squad works so well together, there’s a great coach and an excellent staff. Those are all things players appreciate, and they show the quality of this Club.
“I’m proud to be one of those players. What really matters is the team and its fans. I’m proud to be part of a Club like this because the history speaks for itself. You only have to look around: the names on the walls and the trophies behind me don’t need any explanation.”
Coach Cristian Chivu was particularly adamant that Jones brought different characteristics to the current Inter squad.
“Over the years I’ve developed my game and I’ve played in different positions; sometimes at right-back, sometimes further forward. I can play in several areas of the pitch, but above all I want to score goals and provide assists to help the team.
“I’m willing to work as hard as possible and do whatever it takes to help the team win. This group is full of talented players with plenty of experience. It’s a great team with really strong foundations, and I want to help take it to another level.
“I hope it’s going to be exciting. I have a young daughter and a wife who are just as happy as I am to be part of this new chapter. They’re a huge part of my life. All I wanted was to come here, and now I want to help the team. My personal life is full of happiness, my daughter is always smiling, my wife is too, and they only want the best for me.”
Liverpool faced Inter in the Champions League at San Siro, but Serie A will be a different matter.
“I’ve already played against Inter, and they’re a team that loves having the ball. There are players here who can score lots of goals, create assists and make plenty of chances. You can feel how united this squad is.
“Inter can compete with the very best teams in the world. You can also feel the hunger that’s here, and, as I’ve already said, the support from the fans is unbelievable. The Inter supporters really are the 12th man. This team has balance, goals, assists, talent, experience, it’s an exciting team.
“I can’t wait to get out onto the pitch. I want to excite you and give you plenty of reasons to smile. I’ll give absolutely everything for this team and do my part to help take it to an even higher level,” concluded Jones.
