Lichtsteiner reveals he rejected Inter move after Juventus signed Dani Alves
Former Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has revealed he turned down a move to Inter Milan in the summer of 2016, citing the arrival of Dani Alves in Turin as a key factor in his decision. The Swiss full-back, now manager of Basel, made the disclosure in an interview excerpt published this week, reflecting on a pivotal career crossroads eight years ago.
According to Lichtsteiner's account, the proposed transfer emerged after he had already spent five seasons with Juventus, having joined from Lazio in 2011. During that period, he had become a stalwart of the team that dominated Serie A, making over 200 appearances and winning five consecutive league titles. His situation, however, changed when Juventus secured the signing of Brazilian international Dani Alves on a free transfer from Barcelona in the summer of 2016.
The arrival of Alves, a highly decorated and attacking right-back, threatened to significantly reduce Lichtsteiner's playing time. This prompted Inter, then under new ownership and management, to explore a move for the experienced Swiss defender. Lichtsteiner confirmed that an opportunity to join the Nerazzurri was presented to him, but he ultimately chose to stay and fight for his place at Juventus.
In the end, Lichtsteiner remained with the Bianconeri for two more seasons, adding two further Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia trophies to his collection before departing for Arsenal in 2018. Alves's stay in Turin was brief, as he left for Paris Saint-Germain after just one season, a campaign in which Lichtsteiner still made 30 appearances across all competitions.
The revelation offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a major Serie A club during a period of sustained success. It also highlights a notable near-miss in the transfer market between two historic rivals, a move that would have seen a key Juventus figure defect directly to Inter. Such transfers are rare in Italian football, particularly involving players who are symbols of one club's winning cycle.
For Inter, the failed pursuit represented another missed target during a turbulent period of reconstruction under the Suning ownership. Lichtsteiner's decision to stay allowed him to extend his legacy in Turin, while Inter continued their search for defensive reinforcements elsewhere. The incident remains a minor footnote in the history of both clubs, but it underscores how a single signing can ripple through the plans of multiple teams and players.
