Portugal midfielder officially arrives at the San Siro
Inter Milan have completed the £38.4 million signing of highly-rated Portugal international Joao Mario from Sporting Lisbon.
The club’s president Erick Thohir did not reveal the length of the contract, but admits they have been tracking the midfielder for a sustained period of time.
Mario helped Portugal to a shock European Championships success last month, which impressed the club’s owner, and has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United.
However, Thohir expressed his delight at getting the move over the line, which made the 23-year-old the most expensive Portuguese player to be sold by a Portuguese club.
“We are delighted to have Joao Mario at Inter. He is a top player and we had been tracking him for a long time.” said Thohir.
“He will further reinforce what is already a very strong squad.”
Mario, who was set to be presented to Inter’s supporters late on Sunday, featured in all seven of Portugal’s Euro fixtures this summer.
But the Serie A side’s work is not done, with Brazil striker Gabriel Barbosa set to follow Mario into the San Siro before the transfer window closes.