Still unable to tell everyone where he will be playing next year, Joao Mario has told Gazzetta dello Sport where he won’t be kicking a ball, and that’s Inter.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Portugal international was very clear about wanting to move on from the Serie A side, who paid Sporting CP €45m to buy him in 2016, and he’s got an ideal destination in mind: England.
Spending the second half of last season on loan at West Ham, the 25-year-old got a taste for the Premier League, helping the Hammers climb back up the table, and he wants to stay.
He said: “I’m wanted. The Premier League is ideal: spectacular atmosphere, physical game yet technical at the same time. It’s the first option, then La Liga. West Ham could be an idea, but for now it’s too early to say anything.”
Mario featured quite a lot under David Moyes, making 13 league appearances, scoring two goals and picking up an assist, and it’s clear the London Stadium club made enough of an impression on him that he’d be willing to make his stay there more permanent.
For that to happen, however, West Ham would have to get the green light from their new manager, Manuel Pellegrini, as well as fork out a semi-considerable chunk of money, believed to be €25m minimum.
It’s certainly feasible, as Gazzetta believe the interest from the club is there.
