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| Andrea Pirlo is expected to retire from Italy duty after Euro 2016 |
INTER do not need to sign Andrea Pirlo because they already have “good options in midfield”, claims club president Erick Thohir.
Pirlo, 36, was thought to be nearing a move back to Italy during the MLS off-season.
The former Juventus star signed for New York City in the summer and is free to find a club on loan over the American winter break.
Manchester City and Turkish club Antalyaspor are understood to be interested in signing the Italy international.
But Inter, who were tipped to complete the short-term signing in recent weeks, won’t make a move.
“I know the fans would always like us to sign new players,” Thohir told Italian station TV One.
“We have a number of players who only joined this summer, however, whereas others have been at the club a bit longer.
“We don't want to simply buy more players who could then have issues adapting to our system.
“We made nine new signings who have settled very quickly over the last few months and all credit to (manager Roberto) Mancini for that.
“Pirlo? He's a great player but we have lots of good options in midfield and some exciting young players.
“Clearly we'll assess all available options in January but, as I've always maintained, we need players who fit the club's project, not just big names.”
It emerged yesterday that Pirlo would be offered £175,000 a game to play eight times for Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
Antalyaspor are also keen on securing Brazilian Ronaldinho on a short-term basis.
As for City, it was thought Pirlo would join NYC’s sister club in a reverse of Frank Lampard’s switch to America over the summer.
Former City academy coach Patrick Vieira has also recently taken up the post of NYC manager, strengthening ties between the two clubs.
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