Taremi says Inter move was a no-brainer
Iranian striker Mahdi Taremi says he “didn’t have to think twice” about signing for Internazionale once the Serie A champion approached him.
Having moved to the Italian giant on a two-year contract – with the option of an additional season – as a free agent from Porto, the 31-year-old Iranian will embark on a new chapter in his career when joining Nerazzurri’s preseason on July 13.
Speaking to Iranian state television on Monday night, Taremi said: “I had offers from clubs in the Persian Gulf countries but had no intention of going back to the Asian football at this stage of my career as I am still looking to improve and move forward.”
“There were also talks about several teams in England, Italy, and Spain, though none of them made an official request for me,” said the Iranian.
“But when Inter made an approach I didn’t have to think twice about the offer. I had a short conversation with [head coach] Simone Inzaghi and he had wonderful ideas about my future at the club,” added the former Persepolis striker.
However, the Iranian international is aware of the scale of the task ahead of him as he will have to compete with Argentine captain Lautaro Martínez – the leading marksman in the Italian top flight last season – and French international Marcus Thuram for a place in the starting XI.
“I will have to be at my best in Inter. When you are playing alongside some great players in a team of Inter magnitude, you will have to give it your all to succeed,” Taremi said.
Taremi spent four glorious seasons with Porto, helping the club lift seven domestic trophies – including a Portuguese league and couple double in the 2021/22 campaign – while he bagged 91 strikes in 182 appearances to become the Dragons’ third all-time top scorer behind retired Brazilian Mario Jardel and Colombian Jackson Martínez.
“Portugal is like a second home to me and I never felt like a stranger in that country. The Porto fans’ love and support truly made an impact in my personal life there. I told them that I will stay a member of the Super Dragões for the rest of my life.”