THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MILAN, Italy — Jose Mourinho finally has the squad he’s been seeking with the arrival of Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma rounding out his plans at Inter Milan.
“When I arrived at Inter I asked for three players: (Frank) Lampard, (Amantino) Mancini and Quaresma,” Mourinho said Tuesday at Quaresma’s presentation. “When Lampard changed his mind and decided to stay at Chelsea, I asked for (Sulley) Muntari and they got him for me. Now the responsibility rests with me and my players.”
With midfielder Vitor Hugo Gomes Passos going to FC Porto in exchange, the deal for Quaresma was valued at 24.6 million euros (C$38 million), making it the most expensive in Italy during the summer transfer window.
Porto could earn as much as 30.6 million euros (C$47 million) depending on possible bonuses based on Quaresma’s and Inter’s performance.
“It’s already a responsibility playing for Inter. And in this case, we’re both responsible and aware of the choice that was made,” Quaresma said, referring to how badly Mourinho wanted him. “One of my goals was to go to a big club. I’m still very grateful to Porto and everything they gave me, but this is a new phase in my career.”
Mourinho’s top aim in the transfer market was attracting Lampard from his former club Chelsea. While Lampard decided to stay put, Inter still made significant improvements in midfield, signing Mancini from Roma, Muntari from Portsmouth and Quaresma.
“I want to thank (Inter president Massimo) Moratti and (market director Gabriele) Oriali,” Mourinho said. “They should both go on vacation tomorrow.”
Quaresma signed a five-year deal with Inter through 2013.
“I’ve wanted Quaresma for a long time,” Mourinho said. “Now I have a balanced squad with several different options for positions and formations. We’ve got great players and a lot of quality, and therefore a lot of responsibility, especially thinking about the Champions League.”
While Inter has won the Italian league the past three seasons, it has not won the European Cup since achieving the feat in back-to-back seasons in 1964 and 1965.
Inter was pleased last week when it was drawn into Group B of this year’s tournament with Werder Bremen, Panathinaikos and Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta.
Quaresma will wear the No. 77 jersey with Inter, since countryman Luis Figo already has his preferred No. 7.
“(Quaresma) can play on the left or the right, in a 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 — or on the bench,” Mourinho joked.
Inter drew 1-1 with Sampdoria in its Serie A opener Saturday. Quaresma is hoping to debut for Inter against Catania on Sept. 13.