Gasperini expected Motta sale

Former Inter Milan boss Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed the club tried to sell now-departed Thiago Motta in the off season.

The Brazilian-born midfielder joined Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday’s transfer deadline day, despite coach Claudio Ranieri’s apparent desperation to retain the Italy international.

Gasperini, who was sacked in September after failing to register a win from five matches in charge, claims Motta’s departure has been a strong possibility since his ill-fated tenure.

“Last summer, Inter wanted to sell him, but I insisted that he stay,” Gasperini told L’Equipe.

The 54-year-old believes Inter have lost a player of the highest quality.

“Congratulations to PSG: they’ve made a very good choice,” Gasperini said.

“Motta is the best midfielder in Italy along with (Andrea) Pirlo and (Claudio) Marchisio.”

Motta played a key role in Inter’s treble success of 2010, but was reportedly aggrieved by the club’s failure to offer him a new deal last summer.