Inter bring in Jonathan and Álvarez
Friday, July 15, 2011
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FC Internazionale Milano have recruited Brazilian defender Jonathan from Santos FC and brought in Argentinian attacking midfielder Ricardo Álvarez, a lifelong fan of the Nerazzurri.
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Santos FC defender Jonathan and CA Vélez Sarsfield attacking midfielder Ricardo Álvarez have joined 2010 UEFA Champions League winners FC Internazionale Milano.
The 25-year-old right-back Jonathan became new Inter coach Gian Piero Gasperini's second signing after the Nerazzurri agreed an undisclosed fee for his services with Copa Libertadores holders Santos. A FIFA U-17 World Cup winner with Brazil in 2003, Jonathan made over 130 Brazilian league appearances for his first club Cruzeiro EC before moving to Santos, where he lifted the 2011 Copa Libertadores. He will have a four-year contract at San Siro.
Álvarez, 23, has accepted a five-year deal following the payment to Vélez Sarsfield of a transfer fee reported to be in the region of €12m. The Argentinian said: "I can't wait to start my new adventure here. I have supported Inter since I was a kid, it is the best club in the world and I'm delighted to be here." The versatile one-time CA Boca Juniors trainee added: "I am a midfielder with an eye for the goal and my hero is Zinédine Zidane."
Inter, who signed Japanese international left-back Yuto Nagatomo at the end of June, will enter this season's UEFA Champions League at the group stage after a second-placed finish in Serie A.