Motta defends PSG switch

Thiago Motta has defended his decision to quit Inter for Paris Saint-Germain in January, revealing that he was not happy at the San Siro.

The Italy international was considered an integral member of the Inter line-up when it became clear towards the end of the last transfer window that he was angling for a move to the French capital, with his agent claiming that the player was still upset about not being offered a new contract.

Motta has refused to go into his exact reasons behind his dissatisfaction with Inter, but has admitted he was desperate to leave for PSG.

“At Inter, regardless of the coach, I was playing, but there were things that I did not like and quite simply I wanted a change,” Motta told L’Equipe.

“On the penultimate day of the transfer window I sent an SMS to the president (Massimo Moratti) to insist (on a move) and finally he let me (go).”

“I was treated as a person, not only as a player. But in Italy many people have said that I had not been good to Inter – that’s wrong.”

Motta is being utilised in his preferred position at the base of the midfield by PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti, and the former Barcelona man admitted that he felt uncomfortable in the advanced role he was asked to perform by Italy boss Cesare Prandelli in last week’s friendly defeat by the United States.

“(I prefer) the one with PSG,” he said. “I feel good with the way the coach lines out the team. It’s the position I prefer.”

“Sure I can move to another position, but I feel better in front of the defence. I touch the ball more, I have the game in front of me – I like it.”

Motta joined Inter from Genoa in 2009 and was a key member of the side that won the treble the following year.