Samir Handanovic is poised to return to his native Slovenia with Maribor, following his departure from Inter after fourteen years with the club. The veteran goalkeeper announced his exit via an Instagram post on Thursday, expressing gratitude for his time at Inter and signalling his intention to begin a new chapter in his career.
Handanovic first joined Inter in 2012, becoming a mainstay in the team for over a decade before transitioning to roles as an observer and, more recently, coach of the Inter Under 17 side. He expressed a desire to return to a professional playing or coaching environment, prompting his search for a new club. According to reports, he is now strongly considering a move to Maribor, a club located near the Austrian border.
The potential move is further complicated by the recent appointment of Darko Milanic as Maribor’s head coach. Milanic brought his own assistant coach with him, meaning Handanovic’s role at the club would need to be clearly defined. However, a significant draw for Handanovic is the presence of his older brother, Jasmin Handanovic, who currently serves as Maribor’s goalkeeping coach. There is a possibility that Jasmin could also be integrated into the first team staff.
Handanovic’s career began in Slovenia before he moved to Italy, playing for Udinese, Treviso, Lazio, and Rimini prior to his long spell with Inter. While no official confirmation or details regarding a contract have been released, the move appears to be progressing, offering Handanovic the opportunity to continue his football journey closer to home and alongside family. This move would allow Handanovic to remain involved in the professional game, potentially utilizing his extensive experience in a coaching capacity.
