Gabigol happy at Inter despite Liverpool link

Gabriel Barbosa has dismissed speculation surrounding his future and insisted “plan A is to stay at Inter and make my mark”.

The Brazil international joined Inter from Santos for a reported €29.5million in August amid much fanfare, but has failed to earn a place in the starting XI under Stefano Pioli, or his predecessor as coach Frank de Boer.

And with the transfer window opening in just over a week, there have been suggestions the 20-year-old will look to leave San Siro, with Liverpool and Fenerbahce reportedly interested.

But Barbosa, better known as Gabigol, says he is happy to stay and work hard to become a success in Serie A.

“I’ve only been here for three months, so it has taken time to adapt to the city and the team,” he said.

“I am very happy at Inter. Obviously I hope to play more, but I am happy and realise it will take some patience. I train every day to improve and every day I feel more settled.

“Plan A is to stay at Inter and make my mark here the way I did at Santos.”

Barbosa also dismissed claims his style of play was ill-suited to Italy.

He added: “I think a lot of people are talking rubbish. It’s a different style of football with great players. I arrived in Italy very young, there are very experienced players here who have been in Serie A for a long time.

“I’m learning a lot and think it’s just a matter of time. No player arrived and immediately went into the starting XI.

“Italian football is very different. There are great players here, but nobody with the same style of football as me. Italians usually don’t start deep and run forward, for example. I have to get used to it.”