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Simone Inzaghi led Inter Milan to one Serie A title and two Italian Cups since joining in 2021.
Simone Inzaghi is the latest high-profile figure to join Saudi league. (Pic Credit: X/Alhilal_EN)
Former Inter manager Simone Inzaghi was unveiled as the new coach of Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal on Thursday, just days before the revamped Club World Cup.
The Italian, who led Inter to a heavy loss in Saturday’s Champions League final, had previously dismissed rumors of a two-year contract worth 50 million euros.
“I am Simone Inzaghi and today begins my story with Al Hilal,” he said in a slickly produced video posted on X, in which he sips Arabian coffee and pins an Al Hilal lapel badge on his suit.
Inzaghi, 49, is the latest high-profile football figure to join oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which is set to host the World Cup in 2034.
“The Italian genius is here,” Al Hilal announced. “Welcome, Simone Inzaghi.”
Inzaghi joins players like Ruben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrovic at Al Hilal. The club released the injury-prone Neymar in January after just seven appearances since his arrival in August 2023.
A source knowledgeable about the negotiations told AFP last week that the “first option” for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has indicated he is leaving rival club Al Nassr, could be a move to Al Hilal.
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes stated this week that he turned down Al Hilal’s reported $135 million offer because he wanted to “continue to play at the highest level.”
Inzaghi’s Inter suffered a 5-0 defeat to Qatar-funded Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final. His departure was confirmed on Tuesday.
The former forward led Inter to one Serie A title and two Italian Cups since joining in 2021.
He took them to two Champions League finals in three seasons but lost both.
Once on track to replicate the treble success of 2010 just a few weeks ago, Inter ended the season without any trophies after faltering in each competition.
Inter, PSG, Real Madrid, and Manchester City are among the 32 teams participating in the expanded Club World Cup, which begins on June 15.
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
- Location :
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- First Published:
