Maicon looking for a raise
Inter full back Maicon may not be moving to Real Madrid, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have any demands. The Brazilian’s agent has stated that the much sought-after defender is looking to have his contributions recognized in the form of a hefty pay raise.
“I have just spoken to the player,” agent Antonio Caliendo told the Italian press. “He said to me: ‘After five championships, Moratti has noticed he has a real champion under his own roof.' I think Inter ought to show a little recognition to a player like Maicon.” Specific numbers were not mentioned, but it has been reported that the right back asked for seven million pounds per season from Real Madrid.
The 29-year-old was a key component of Inter’s treble win last season, and capped off his strong season with a spot on the Brazilian World Cup squad. Rumors swirled all summer of a possible reunion with coach Jose Mourinho in Spain, however, the transfer, which was expected to be worth as much as 28m euros, was eventually deemed too costly for Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. Inter president Massimo Moratti took that opportunity to say he would no longer field offers for Maicon.
"Personally I consider him such a good player that maybe I've decided not to sell him," Moratti told Italian press. "I have pulled the player out of any transfer talks."
This didn’t go unnoticed by Maicon’s camp, who are hopeful that Moratti’s newfound appreciation of the player will translate into higher wages. “Judging by Moratti’s comments I’d say there will be a new deal,” the player’s agent said today. “Now I expect he’ll want to say it to Maicon in person.”
Inter recently extended the contracts of Diego Milito and captain Javier Zanetti, who has been quick this summer to comment on Maicon. "Maicon is the best full back that we have," Zanetti told the Italian media. "In fact, he's the best full back in the world. It is very important he stays with us." How much it’ll cost Inter for him to stay, however, remains to be seen.
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