Inter Milan on Monday unveiled their second major summer signing with the arrival of Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari.
The former Portsmouth man, who previously played five seasons at Udinese, has joined for a fee believed to be in the region of 14 million euros (22 million dollars) and he will wear the number 20 shirt next season.
He joins Brazil winger Alessandro Mancini, who arrived from AS Roma, as the first signings made by new Inter boss Jose Mourinho.
It is a swift return to Italy for the 23-year-old after just one season at Portsmouth.
The Ghana international said he was looking forward to working with Mourinho.
“I came up against one of his teams once and I saw how they played. I lost 1-0 and Chelsea played really well, hence I’m happy to be here to work for him,” said Muntari, who believes he improved during his season in the Premier League.
“They play a different style of football to the Italians there. I matured as a player and as a man.
“When I was at Udinese I was very young and hadn’t mastered my position, that’s why I got booked too much.
“But I’m not a fool and now I’ve developed and matured. Now I know how to deal with situations on the pitch, the coach won’t have any problems.”
Muntari said he was glad to have finally joined one of the continent’s biggest teams.
“It was a dream to play for a big team. I didn’t even need to think about it for one second when I came to Inter.
“I really wanted to wear this jersey, the shirt of a big club. I want to help this team achieve its objectives.”
Muntari dismissed suggestions that he was a clone of another Mourinho signing, from his Chelsea days, his international midfield team-mate Michael Essien.
“We’re friends, almost brothers, we share the same coloured skin,” said Muntari.
“He’s a great player and he worked a lot with Mourinho. I have my characteristics and the coach knows them.
“I’m happy to be here and to be able to work with him (Mourinho). Essien and I are different players. He’s got a good right peg, I’ve got a good left.
“Essien’s very good and I couldn’t claim to be better. On the pitch I’ll show what I can bring to Inter.”
