Icardi completes Inter move

Mauro Icardi has completed his transfer from Sampdoria to Inter in a co-ownership deal.

The Argentine youngster had long been linked with a move to the Giuseppe Meazza side and has now signed a contract until June 2018 with head coach Walter Mazzarri's team.

"Mauro Icardi is now officially an Inter player.  The 20-year-old Argentine forward has been permanently signed from Sampdoria in a co-ownership deal," says Inter's official club website.

The forward impressed at Sampdoria last term after joining the Blucerchiati from Barcelona in 2011 and he is keen to make the next step in his career at Inter.

"I’m happy to have arrived here. I hope to do my best for the team and the fans. I can’t wait to start the new season," Icardi said upon his arrival at the Nerazzurri.

Icardi joins compatriots Esteban Cambiasso, Walter Samuel, Javier Zanetti, Diego Milito and Rodrigo Palacio at his new club.

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Stankovic bids farewell to Inter

Following a nine-year stint with the Nerazzurri, the Serbia international decides to leave the club and publishes a touching letter thanking the fans for their support

"Dear Nerazzurri fans," he wrote in a statement on the club's official website. "This is your 'Drago' speaking, with a sense of emotion but also with great pleasure.

"I don't know if I can find the right words to say goodbye and to thank you properly for everything you have given me, your affection, your trust and your honesty.

"The last 10 years have been the best of my life. I have grown both as a man and, with immense joy, as a footballer.

"My family and I want to thank the Moratti family. I'd like to mention my president in particular: he gave me the opportunity to wear the Inter shirt, which I have been happy and extremely honoured first of all to play in, and then with which I was able to win everything there was to win."

Stankovic made 315 appearances for Inter after joining from Lazio in 2004. His time with the Nerazzurribrought him five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia wins and one victory in the Champions League.

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Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians.

Paulinho has become Andre Villas-Boas' first summer recruit as he looks to reshape his squad ahead of a push for a top-four place in the Premier League next season.

The player revealed during the Confederations Cup tournament in his native country that a bid from Spurs to seal his signature had been lodged and that north London was his most likely destination.

Inter Milan and Real Madrid were also believed to be interested in a move for the former Bragantino midfielder, who scored twice during the tournament, following on from his equalising goal in Brazil's 2-2 draw with England last month.

Paulinho said: "It's a huge pleasure for my career to be at a club as big as Tottenham. I know it will be a huge challenge but I think I can help all my colleagues to succeed and give a lot of happiness to the supporters.

"The training centre is amazing and I'm very impressed about the conditions Tottenham offers to the players. I will focus on my job and use the facility as much as possible.

"We used to watch the Premier League in Brazil - including Tottenham - and this club has big players. I just want to help them to succeed here. It's nice to have another Brazilian in the squad and I'm excited to meet with Sandro and all the players."

Paulinho confirmed earlier this week that he had no regrets about his decision to move to White Hart Lane, telling ESPN Brasil: "They (Tottenham) made an offer to my agent and to Corinthians, I sat down, analysed the proposal and chose Tottenham. We think it was the best path, the best option.

"I am moving from one big club to Tottenham, another club in a big league. I am sure I will perform my job to the best of my ability. I don't regret and I won't regret [this decision]."

His compatriot, and new team-mate Sandro, is confident that Paulinho has the ability to make an impact in the Premier League.

Sandro told Globo Esporte: "I think he has what it takes to do well here.

"This is a club with a great structure. It has been fighting for the top positions in the last few years and playing in European competitions.

"Paulinho will certainly help us become even stronger.

"I can only say 'welcome to Tottenham, Paulinho'. I am very happy, I will try to do the same thing Gomes did when I arrived. He was very important when I came and helped me adapt. If Paulinho needs me, I will help. I welcome him."

Paulinho has been likened to Frank Lampard, and he acknowledged he is happy to take on board any comparisons with the veteran Chelsea and England midfielder.

"This comparison is a responsibility that I will take," said Paulinho. "I will not run away from it.

"Lampard is a great player, not only for Chelsea but in world football.

"I intend to follow in his footsteps as he is a very professional guy. David Luiz always speaks of him on international duty.

"I've always looked at what Lampard does and to me he is a huge phenomenon. The way he hits the ball, what positions he takes up, he really is incredible."

[Source : Sky Sports ]

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