France international Marcus Thuram has joined Inter, with the Nerazzurri beating city rivals AC Milan for the signature of the 25-year-old forward. He has departed from Borussia Monchengladbach as a free agent after four seasons with the German club.
Although the likes of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain were reportedly interested, Thuram has opted to return to Italy and accept Inter’s offer. Just a matter of days prior to news emerging that he would join Inter, Milan had in fact looked like the frontrunners to sign him.
Inter confirmed the forward’s arrival on Saturday, July 1. He will be contracted for five seasons, remaining at the club until June 2028, and earning €6 million a year.
Inter offer more enticing for Thuram
Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio was in contact with Thuram throughout the 2022 World Cup and shortly after the tournament’s conclusion to persuade the French forward about the Nerazzurri project. In turn, the 25-year-old was confident that he could fit into Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi’s system and improve as a player.
AC Milan seemed confident in signing the Frenchman when they offer him a salary of €5 million, but their rivals offered an additional €1m to keep him out of reach for the Rossoneri.
However, there was more to it than just the wages for Thuram, who was born in Italy while his father was playing for Parma. Although Lilian was a great defender for the Gialloblu and Juventus, Marcus has been inspired by Inter forwards past and present, and he will have a chance to make a dream come true.
Thuram reveals admiration for Lukaku and Ronaldo
Romelu Lukaku has been an inspiration for Thuram and the France international admitted that he also wants to become better than his idol.
“I have always had admiration for Lukaku,” he revealed in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport in October 2020.
“I hope to become stronger than him, I train every day to be one of the best in the world.”
Inter are working with Chelsea to bring Lukaku back to the Italian giants, and if all goes well, Thuram might be able to form a lethal attacking duo with him.
The 25-year-old also admires Brazilian legend Ronaldo, who played for Inter from 1997 until 2002, and the forward was also an opponent that put a lot of fear into a defender like Marcus’ father.
“When dad had to play against him, he was terrified,” he once said.
Lilian Thuram had an illustrious career with France, and he also won his share of trophies with Parma and Juventus in the 1990s and 2000s. While Lilian was great at stopping forwards, Marcus can demonstrate that there is now a Thuram with scoring prowess in Serie A.
