Algerian footballer Islam Slimani opened up about pivotal moments in his career, shedding light on the intriguing interest shown by Inter Milan during his stint at Leicester City.
As the all-time top scorer for Algeria with an impressive record of 102 caps and 42 goals, Slimani provided insights into his experiences, notably the transitional phase when Craig Shakespeare took over as coach at Leicester.
“At first, everything was going well, then there was a change of coach (Shakespeare had replaced Ranieri), and he preferred to bet on the players who had won the Premier League the previous year.
But I don’t regret anything; it was a magnificent experience. We had a great group, and Leicester is a fantastic club,” shared the 35-year-old, currently representing KV Mechelen in Belgium.
Slimani, reflecting on a juncture in 2020 during his time with AS Monaco, disclosed an intriguing chapter involving Inter Milan.
The Algerian striker revealed that he was on the verge of joining the Italian giants during the winter transfer window. Antonio Conte, then Inter’s manager, envisioned Slimani as a replacement for the injured Romelu Lukaku.
“At the time of Monaco in 2020, I was on the verge of signing for Inter Milan. Antonio Conte wanted me to replace Lukaku, who was injured, but it was January 31, and there was no time.
It’s a shame; I would have liked that. Maybe one day, who knows. At 35, I’m still young (laughs),” Slimani lamented.
This revelation provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricate negotiations and dynamics of football transfers, highlighting Slimani’s stature as a sought-after player even at the later stages of his career.
