"De Zerbi wanted me" – Inter Milan icon admits Brighton attempts at transfer

Retired Inter goalkeeper Handanovic reveals De Zerbi tried to sign him for Brighton after he left Milan in 2023, but he chose to retire instead.

Samir Handanovic has disclosed that Roberto de Zerbi attempted to bring him to Brighton following his departure from Inter Milan in 2023. The 42-year-old goalkeeper, who spent 11 years at Inter after joining for €15m in 2012, made 455 appearances for the club and captained them to five major trophies between 2019 and 2023, including the 2020/21 Serie A title.

Handanovic told Repubblica that De Zerbi's offer appealed to him, saying he would have liked to work with the Brighton manager even as a backup goalkeeper. He also mentioned receiving approaches from Fiorentina under Vincenzo Italiano, but ultimately decided to retire rather than pursue a move. "How do you know when it's time to retire? When the fire inside goes out," he explained.

Since retiring, Handanovic has worked as a scout for Inter and spent two years coaching their youth teams while studying to become a manager. He has expressed ambitions to eventually manage Inter, citing his admiration for coaches like Cesc Fàbregas at Como and Barcelona's approach to the game.