(Football news) Croatia national team midfielder Marcelo Brozović has extended his contract with the current defending champion Inter Milan until the summer of 2026. He has been an integral part of the squad ever since he joined from Dinamo Zagreb in January 2015, and has so far played 279 games for Inter Milan in all competitions. Brozovic's previous contract was set to expire at the end of June of this season, but renewing the Croatian has always been a priority for the club given his importance to the team.
This season particularly he’s been tremendous in the holding position role for Inter, more than his defensive workrate it is his leadership qualities that the club have heavily invested in. The likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Tottenham were all interested in the 29 year old but he ultimately decided that Inter is his home. The 29-year-old played a key role under Antonio Conte as the Nerazzurri ended a 10-year wait for the Scudetto last season. This season, he has started 37 games in all competitions, a tally on Samir Handanovic (40) which is better among Inter players. He again leads the Nerazzurri in the Serie A for making the most tackles (55), passes (1,924) and passes into the final third (251).
The midfielder had earned a net salary of €3.5 million on his old contract, but now has been handed a significant pay raise to €6.5 million net per season to reward him for his importance in the team. Brozovic was purchased from Dinamo Zagreb on a loan with an obligation to buy for €5.7 million in January of 2015, and has since then gradually risen to the most important and also the first name on the team sheet for the Nerazzurri. He has been injured over the last month and Inter since his absence from the team have only managed to win one game against bottom team Salernitana, this highlights the importance of him in the team.
"I am really happy to have extended my contract with Inter. Out of respect for the club, I didn’t even want to talk to other clubs. I would only do that if Inter told me they didn't need me anymore. I am proud to be a part of this club with a great tradition and history, and I am determined to strive to achieve new great successes with this club. Our only goal is to win and I am sure that we will do everything in our power to defend the title of champion and win the Cup," said Brozović after signing a new contract.
He added, "Inter fans have always loved me. I can't wait to get back on the pitch and keep celebrating with them. Money has never been why I play football, and it never will be. When I see people's suffering and disease, especially now in Ukraine, I realize how happy I am to play for a club like Inter and live in such a top city as I spent some tough moments at Inter, both for the club and me. Still, we continued to fight to be better. All this was rewarded when we won the title last year. I am here to become an even better player and help Inter win more trophies," concluded Brozović.
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