Inter president Massimo Moratti believes the arrival of highly-rated youngster McDonald Mariga is the “best thing that could have happened” to the club in the January transfer window.
Mariga’s move to Inter from Parma was completed just minutes before the transfer window closed on Monday night, after the 20-year-old Kenyan had earlier seen a move to Manchester City collapse after he was denied a work permit.
“Mariga is a very interesting player,” he said. “He is young and he can do very well. I believe it is the best thing that could have happened to us in the winter transfer market.”
Mariga joined Parma on a permanent basis in the summer of 2008 and has made nine league appearances this season.
Mariga’s signing came just hours after Inter allowed Brazilian winger Mancini to join city rivals Milan on a six-month loan deal.
“There has been rumours in the Italian media of disagreements between Inter and Milan,” said Moratti. “But I think Mancini’s deal just goes to prove how the two clubs get along.”