Spalletti in 'no rush' to sign new Inter deal
Despite speculation the Inter coach was set to sign a new deal, Luciano Spalletti is not in a hurry to extend his stay at the Serie A club.
Luciano Spalletti says he is "no rush" to sign a new contract and commit his long-term future to Inter.
The experienced coach was expected to announce a new three-year deal at a news conference on Thursday.
But Spalletti, who saw his side secure Champions League football with a dramatic last-day win away at 10-man Lazio, instead revealed he is happy with the current situation and is yet to pen an extension.
"I have a contract at Inter and I'm very happy," Spalletti told reporters.
"For me, nothing would have changed had we not made the Champions League.
"When you're here, you realise that you don't just sign to guarantee your salary. There's no rush to sign the contract.
"We want to continue to reduce the gap between ourselves and the sides ahead of us. We've already done a lot in this regard. If you look, the statistics on the team's growth are encouraging.
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"The club has already started to move in a good way but we have to respect the financial side. Football has changed. Before the end of the month, we'll have to look at the books and strengthen the club, just like everyone does."
| : "I thank the club for having given me the chance to experience this with these colours which I think suit me. I thank my staff, there was a lot of work to do." May 24, 2018
Spalletti also admitted Inter will have to reduce the size of their squad before pursuing permanent deals for loan duo Rafinha and Joao Cancelo.
"At the moment, Inter don't have the chance to pay Valencia and Barcelona to buy Cancelo and Rafinha," the former Roma boss added.
The future of Inter captain Mauro Icardi, meanwhile, remains in doubt as the striker is a reported target for clubs, with both Chelsea and Real Madrid rumoured to be interested.
"It depends what he wants, keeping those who don't want to stay is difficult," Spalletti replied when asked about the talismanic forward.
"That’s not the case with him, but I can't sit here and tell you he won't make a request, it depends what happens in the transfer market.
"A professional can consider a different experience. Clearly, if important players leave it reduces your chances to grow, if other important players don't arrive."