Ex Napoli Star Reveals: ‘I Was Tempted To Go To Saudi Arabia, But Inter Milan Compete At The Highest Level’ | OneFootball

Midfielder Piotr Zielinski admits that a move to Saudi Arabia was a “temptation” but says he’s competing “at the highest level” at Inter Milan.

The 30-year-old gave his thoughts about his decision to join the Nerazzurri this summer on Eleven Sports Poland, via FCInterNews.

Zielinski was one of the more high profile free transfer moves of the summer transfer window.

And it was not too surprising to see the Pole join Inter.

The Nerazzurri have developed a reputation as real specialists in free transfer signings under the direction of club President and CEO Beppe Marotta.

And Inter had already brought in big name midfielders from Serie A rivals via that route. Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan had arrived at the end of their deals with AC Milan and Roma respectively.

This summer, then, Inter repeated the trick. They took advantage of failing contract talks between Zielinski and Napoli last year.

The Polish international left the Partenopei after eight years at the end of his deal. And he chose to join Inter.

Piotr Zielinski: “Saudi Arabia A Temptation, But Inter At The Highest Level”

Inter were not the only team to show an interest in Zielinski’s signature.

Last summer, the Pole had been among the targets for the Saudi Pro League as part of its campaign of lavish spending on big name players from European leagues.

Zielinski admitted that “Anyone who’s received an offer like that knows that the figures can make your head spin.”

“But after a day or two, consulting with one’s loved ones, one considers what their goals are. What’s important in a particular moment.”

“For some people it might be money,” Zielinski said.

“For others, it might be the desire to compete with the best players in the world.”

Zielinski clarified, “For me, the chance to prove myself in the Champions League has been my priority from the start.”

“Definitely in the first couple days I thought: ‘I’m going to go to Saudi Arabia,'” Zielinski said.

“I’ll take my loved ones. We’ll live well.”

“However, that thought only lasted a couple days,” Zielinski said.

“I’m happy that’s not what happen and I didn’t accept that offer. Even though the money was a lot, I’m happy to be wear I am.”

ZIelinski said that at Inter “I earn plenty, and I can still play at the highest level.”

Of the talks that led him to the Nerazzurri, Zielinski said that “We established contact, day after day, month by month. The interest became more concrete.”

“I took advantage of their offer. And I’m happy because the greatness of this club is clearly evident.”