Aquilani - Inter wanted me

Alberto Aquilani has revealed that Inter Milan were interested in signing him from Liverpool over the summer.

The Italian midfielder returned to his homeland in August after a difficult first year at Anfield, joining Juventus on a season-long loan.

He has since declared that he hopes to earn a permanent deal with the Bianconeri, having been a peripheral figure with Liverpool.

Rafa Benitez brought him to Merseyside but seemed to find it difficult to integrate him into the Reds side, with fitness problems hampering the 26-year-old's progress.

Aquilani has now claimed that Benitez was keen to take him to Inter after leaving Liverpool for the Giuseppe Meazza, although there was never an official offer.

He told Mediaset Premium: "Inter wanted me this summer, they tried to get me. There was something, but nothing more."

Aquilani maintains that he looks back with fondness at his time with Liverpool, and has backed Benitez to be successful in his new role.

"Last season with Liverpool has been positive for me, despite the injury, although it is not easy to adapt to a different style of football," he explained.

"I had a good relationship with the fans and I would have remained with pleasure, but some things convinced me to change and I'm very happy to have arrived at Juventus.

"I have good memories of Benitez. He allowed me to go to an important club like Liverpool.

"He's a very important coach who will do very well at Inter. To replace Mourinho would be difficult for anyone but Benitez is tough and the right man for Inter."

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