Inter Give Mixed Messages Over Lampard

New Internazionale coach José Mourinho seems set to give up the chase for Frank Lampard, but the nerazzurri club hierarchy apparently have different ideas as they continue to show an interest in the Chelsea man...

Jul 28, 2008 5:07:57 PM

Lampard hat-trick, Chelsea v Leicester City (PA)

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The long-running saga linking the England international with a switch to San Siro seemed set to end after Mourinho all but admitted defeat in the race to land his former protégé.

The Portuguese manager told The Sun, "I’m not disappointed by Lampard.

"The important thing for a player is to do what makes him happy. If his decision is to stay at Chelsea I accept that."

Furthermore, sporting director Gabriele Oriali said, "[Sulley] Muntari is the last buy.

"Now we will work on trimming the squad because Mourinho wants 22 players and three goalkeepers. There will be some painful goodbyes."

Nonetheless there could be some hope that Frank is Italy-bound after chief executive Ernesto Paolillo failed to formally rule out further expenditure.

He said to Sky Italia, "We have the chance to sign players right up until August 31st, so anything can happen.

"I hope that technical director Marco Branca would be open to signing new players."

However, he further added that neither Lampard nor fellow target Quaresma are 'mission-critical'.

"They aren't essential to our project," he admitted.

"I think we have a strong squad right now, but we'll see.

"Mourinho likes Lampard, having known him so long, but he's pleased with the squad he has.

"If they sign that's obviously good, but if they don't the squad is already strong enough."

Steve Michaels, Goal.com