Ibra Staying Forever; Recoba, Not So Much

By: Martha | July 24th, 2007

Il Chino Despite constant rumors that he’s going to Real Madrid or world power Manchester City, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is, in fact, in the middle of negotiating a contract extension that will keep him at Inter at least through 2012 and dramatically increase his salary. Or at least, that’s what he told Corriere dello Sport yesterday. And, though Zlatan is many things, I don’t think he’s a liar — we can probably safely assume this is really happening.

Hell, I even believe him when says “My future is with Inter.” I know Ibra’s had some nasty breaks with clubs in the past (See: Ajax), but Inter really seems the perfect place for him. He’s treated with respect, expected to act like an adult, and given the chances he needs to succeed. Plus, he’s won the Scudetto and is presumed to have a solid shot at not only repeating, but also challenging for the Champions League this coming season. What on earth is not to like?

On the other side of the coin, meanwhile, is poor Alvaro Recoba. Much-loved by the ever-loyal Massimo Moratti, Il Chino’s had flashes of utter genius at Inter (including his debut in which he scored twice in 10 minutes to win the match) but has also been cursed by the anvil of “potential” around his neck, and he’s never quite been able to live up to it. Now finding himself at the back of a very long line of strikers, Recoba’s been resignedly talking about leaving since last spring, and at this point it’s a question of destination more than anything else: First it was Athletico Madrid, then Roma, then Napoli. Now, it’s rumored he’s headed either home to Uruguay, or to Quatar for a massive payday, something it would be hard to begrudge the immensely likable Recoba who, despite his minor role in the current team, remains a huge favorite of Inter fans. Hopefully he’s got a few good years left in the tank and will end his career on a high note, even if it is in the middle of a desert somewhere.

Some Related Serie A Posts:

Category: Inter, Rumors & News, Serie A

« Ghana Eying Inter’s Baby Azzurri Savior | Home | Pippo the Red Bull, Or: What Might Have Been »

Martha

Paolo and Johnny are right, he does put the ball in the back of the net when asked (he scored the only goal in Russian during year's CL campaign, if I recall correctly) and we probably shouldn't dislike him. I just can't stand what I see as his attitude -- if he's on the pitch and there's a PK, he wants it. He wants to take free kicks. If an attack goes awry, you can be sure he's giving someone else a dirty look, because it sure as hell wasn't his fault. I guess you could see that am ambition and self-believe, but to me he just looks like an asshole with an ego problem.
k

so why is it that inter fans hate cruz?! players like that are usually fan favorites, doesnt complain, scores with some regularity when called upon, and when none of the 4 million inter strikers were scoring in europe, wasn't he the one that jumpstarted your campaign?? (i could be wrong bout the last part)
Johnny

Cruz does put the ball in the back of the net when called upon and he does not complain about playing time which is very true Paolo. I just think Recoba could do the same thing. Regardless Forza Inter.
Joe

Veron ain't coming to MLS. From what I've heard his salary demands are astronomical. It has been nice to see him regain his form though after some brutal times in England. Can Argentina be that bad? Isn't he revered for bringing Estudiantes the title?

I think Recoba is either going back to Uruguay, Spain, Italy or he's going to sign a deal in Qatar to make an obscene amount of money. Can't blame him for any choice he makes. Just don't go to Juve, please.
Paolo

I am not much of a Cruz fan either but he does put the ball in the net when he is called upon, and does not complain when he is not used. Hard to let a guy like that go.

As for Chino... can't deny that he has been a great player for Inter. As for Joe's comments about him almost scoring from corner kicks in Copa America. That's his problem right there. As great a skill as that is (and he possesses), it takes a lot of nerve to try and score from there once in a game let alone trying it twice in the same half. That is what frustrates me about him lately. He tries the near impossible too often out there without considering his other options. Anyhow where ever he ends up I wish him the best. I'll never forget the strike he coverted on when for Inter's 3rd goal when they came back to beat Samp 3-2 after trailing 2-0 in the 88th minute.
Martha

And Johnny, I'm with you on Cruz -- I am sick to DEATH of that guy. And of course he's scoring in preseason, which will only increase his absurdly high opinion of himself. I'd definitely rather keep Il Chino than him.
Martha

QJA I've not heard anything about Recoba moving to the states, but how would Veron work for you?
QJA

Any chance Recoba would head stateside? DC United's yet to use their DP slot.
Johnny

I would much rather see Cruz and Adriano leave Inter before Recoba. Wherever he goes, he will be succesfull and hopefully it will not be in Serie A haunting Inter.
Anthony

If Inter are proved guilty on fraud charges and get relegated he will jump boat agian he has no respect for Juventus one of the 5 biggest clubs in the world and the biggiest in italy and he was singing we won it with out stealing hummm but the year before he was celebrating a different chant.
Joe

il Chino is so damn talented it's sick. I saw him play the first half of the Copa America semi-final against Argentina and he almost scored two goals directly from corner kicks. He was threading every ball on a line and his mates were just sitting around with their thumbs up their collective hienies (sp?) waiting for Recoba to do something.
I hope he can get himself healthy and have a few remarkeable years before hanging up his boots. Love to see him in Napoli blue but I just doubt that'll ever happen.