Argentina Coach Denies Walter Samuel Will Join Inter Milan As Assistant Coach: ‘He Was Called, But He Said No’ | OneFootball

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni denies that Walter Samuel will become the new assistant coach of Inter Milan.

Speaking in a press conference, via FCInterNews, Scaloni denied the rumours. He claimed that Samuel did get the call about taking on the role at the Nerazzurri, but turned it down.

Reports earlier today suggested that Walter Samuel would become the new assistant coach of Inter Milan.

The Nerazzurri have made Cristian Chivu their new coach. That has been officially confirmed.

However, it is not yet clear who the Romanian’s assistant would be.

It had initially looked like Giovanni Martusciello would become the new Inter assistant coach. However, there have reportedly been some bureaucratic issues on this front.

Then, reports emerged today that it would instead be Walter Samuel.

Samuel is currently the assistant coach of the Argentina national team. But he also has an extensive history with Inter as a player.

The Argentine spent nine years as an Inter Player, between 2005 and 2014. He had previously played for the likes of Boca Juniors, Roma, and Real Madrid.

Samuel and Chivu know each other very well from their time together as players at Inter. They won the Treble with the Nerazzurri in the 2009-10 season.

Scaloni: “Walter Samuel Said No To Inter Milan”

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JUNE 28: Assistant coach of Argentina Walter Samuel attends a press conference ahead of their match against Peru as part of CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 at Hard Rock Stadium on June 28, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

However, there is also the matter of Samuel’s current position with Argentina.

And Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has addressed the rumours directly.

“Chivu, his friend and former teammate, called him to ask if he wanted to join him at Inter,” said the Albiceleste coach. “The club where he made his career.”

“Walter appreciated the call,” continued Scaloni.

“Inter is the club where he spent most of his career.”

“But he has made a commitment to us,” the Argentine coach made clear. “The fact that he chose to stay says a lot about him.”

“On my part, I thank him. Because it’s a sign of love and professionalism.”

Then, Scaloni added that “the matter is closed.”