Calhanoglu justifies ditching AC Milan for rivals Inter Milan

After months of speculations about his future, the Turk ultimately put an end to his four-year relationship with the Rossoneri in the summer.

Hakan Calhanoglu insists he “likes new challenges” while explaining his decision to leave AC Milan and join their rivals Inter Milan.

Calhanoglu joined Inter on a free transfer in June, putting pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Serie A champions.

The attacking midfielder opted against renewing with Milan after discussions of a contract extension between the two parties reached a dead end, with the club refusing to accept personal terms demanded by the player, according to reports.

“Inter are a great team. They won the Scudetto and several derbies during my time at Milan,” Calhanoglu said in an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport.

“I came here because I like new challenges.

“I wasn’t surprised when they [Inter] called me. With my qualities, I know what I can give to the team, I never thought I could remain without a club.”

Asked whether the thought that joining Inter was the wrong choice has ever crossed his mind after being reminded the club sold their pivotal players Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi, he responded: “No, never.

“It’s normal that it’s complicated to keep the best players who have important offers in a challenging economic moment.

“The club’s good comes before anything else. I am always focused on my work, I knew I had joined a big club.”