Inter Captain Samir Handanovic: “Close To Signing Contract Extension, Ready For Competing With Andre Onana” | OneFootball

Inter captain Samir Handanovic has confirmed that he wants to stay another season with the Nerazzurri and that he is close to agreeing a new contract.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster DAZN after the Nerazzurri’s Serie A win over Sampdoria earlier this evening, the 37-year-old updated on his future and stated that he welcomes the competition that will come from incoming goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Handanovic’s current deal is set to run out at the end of June, but reports have always suggested that the club wants to stay on with the Slovenian.

Onana will be signed on a free transfer from Ajax as Handanovic’s long-term successor, but the Cameroonian could well take some time to settle into his role, and the current captain could still have an important role to play going into next season.

Asked about the situation with his contract talks with the club, the captain said that “We’re very close, we both want this so I will stay another year here at Inter.

Further questioned whether he is ready to compete with Onana for the starting spot, the captain said that “I’m always ready.”

On the emotions at losing out on the Scudetto, he said that “There’s regret and disappointment but it’s not a time to cry – we had to think about it first. ”

“We must be proud of what we’ve accomplished,” he went on, “we’ve won two trophies and played beautiful football, we’ve grown.”

“We could have done better the league and we’ll be the first to admit it,” he added. “It must also be said that we played 52 games this season, with the most intense period being when we faced Liverpool in the Champions League and took seven points from seven matches in the league.”

On the response from the fans, Handanovic said that “I thank the whole stadium because they’ve been with us all season, even in the difficult periods.”

“We’ve always reciprocated and I think it’s easier for us when we can start from a relationship like this,” he continued, “they’ve given everying, we’re the first to be sorry to them. Milan finished ahead of us and we must congratulate them.”