MILAN – The Nerazzurri’s sporting
director Piero Ausilio spoke to Sky Sport Italia from the presentation press
conference for Hernanes, explaining how the deal developed to bring the
Brazilian to Inter: "When you’re talking about such an important player
things have to be planned well in advance. Our interest in Hernanes began quite
a while ago, and we had come close to landing him in the past. However, we lost
out on him due to a rule that got changed when things were underway. We worked
hard. We at Inter and president Thohir showed we wanted him, and Hernanes wanted
to come here. So when you have such a strong desire on both sides it’s easy for
things to fall into place."

Regarding the future and
whether negotiations have begun with players whose contracts will soon be up:
"We’re fully aware of what the deadlines are. We have to work on things,
and the meetings are continuing with the players’ agents. But right now the
only thing that matters is doing well on the pitch."

Finally, on Cristian Chivu: "We’re in contact with the player every
day. We’re waiting for this final operation he’ll have to undergo, and then
we’ll all calmly decide on things together."