Inter Milan Signs John Stones Amid Acknowledged English-Italian Financial Gap

Inter Milan head coach Christian Chivu acknowledged that English clubs were operating on a different financial plane from their Italian counterparts, as his club completed the free transfer signing on Friday of “charismatic” former Manchester City defender John Stones. Although still hunting for players who “allow us to raise our level, who have so much enthusiasm and want to be part of this wonderful group”, Chivu has spent roughly £35 million (US$47 million) this summer, while City, Inter’s opponents in Saturday’s Asahi Super Dry Trophy clash at Kai Tak Stadium, splashed £116 million just to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. “What I learned is that what you spend only applies to the island [England]; you don’t spend so much in Europe,” Chivu said. “Having the possibility to get John Stones as a free agent was important for the quality he brings, for the personality and charisma he has, and for the experience he has. It’s one more defender and he’ll definitely improve that department.” Chivu began his eve-of-match press conference by paying tribute to Franco Baresi, the great former AC Milan defender who died on Friday at the age of 66. “Condolences for the big loss for everyone who loves football, and for the family of Franco Baresi,” Chivu said. “It’s a sad day for the whole world because he represented one of the legends of football.