Sneijder: No reason for new Inter deal

Posted Saturday, December 08, 2012 by ESPN

Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder is adamant that he will not sign a new deal with the club unless manager Andrea Stramaccioni picks him the starting line-up.

The Nerazzurri are keen to extend Sneijder's current contract with the club, but have requested the Dutchman take a pay cut in the new agreement. After Sneijder indicated his reluctance in doing so, he was dropped from the Inter Milan starting line-up.

Although Stramaccioni and club president Massimo Moratti have insisted the omission of the former Ajax player was purely for footballing reasons, Italian media sources have speculated that Inter are attempting to "blackmail" Sneijder into agreeing to the terms on offer.

The attacking midfielder told La Gazzetta dello Sport that he could not see himself staying with a club that refused to play him.

"At this moment in time, I've absolutely no reason to sign a deal. How can I sign a new deal when I’m not even playing? And now the same person is telling me that the decision (for me not to play) is one that has been made entirely by the coach, irrespective of the current situation!" Sneijder exclaimed.

"Physically and mentally I’m ready, and I like playing football. We’ll see what happens over the next few days."

Moratti did not cower under Sneijder's statements, as the Italian continued to insist that the player's absence from the first 11 had nothing to do with his contractual disagreements with the club.

"Sneijder will play only if he’s 100% fit and in good form, not just because of who he is!" he stated.

Inter Milan welcome Napoli to the San Siro for their Serie A fixture this Sunday.