Lichtsteiner Recalls 2017 Inter Milan Interest, Juventus Loyalty
Former Juventus and Switzerland defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has detailed the moment in 2017 when he turned down a move to Inter Milan to stay in Turin. The now-retired full-back, who currently manages FC Basel, revealed the approach during an interview reflecting on his career.
Lichtsteiner, who made 201 appearances for Juventus between 2011 and 2018, was a target for Inter Milan during the summer of 2016. In a recent interview, the 39-year-old confirmed the approach, stating he had a concrete offer from the Nerazzurri. However, his commitment to Juventus and the arrival of a new competitor for his position were the decisive factors in his decision to stay.
According to Lichtsteiner, the situation evolved rapidly after a conversation with then-Juventus director general, Giuseppe Marotta. The club was in the process of signing Dani Alves from Barcelona, a move that would directly challenge Lichtsteiner for the right-back position. Despite the increased competition, Lichtsteiner chose to remain with the Bianconeri, a club he had joined from Lazio in 2011.
"I could have left, I had an offer from Inter," Lichtsteiner explained, confirming the long-rumored interest from the Milanese club. His decision to stay proved successful, as Juventus went on to win the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia that season, completing a domestic double. Lichtsteiner made 42 appearances across all competitions during the 2016-17 campaign, contributing to the club's historic success.
The Swiss defender's loyalty was rewarded with a contract extension in November 2016, keeping him at the club until 2018. He would eventually leave Juventus on a free transfer in the summer of 2018, joining Arsenal. The revelation provides a glimpse into the transfer machinations of the period, highlighting a key career juncture for a player who made 105 appearances for Juventus, winning 11 major trophies, including six consecutive Serie A titles.
