Rafinha has no plans of making Barcelona comeback

Brazilian footballer Rafinha has revealed his desire to sign a permanent deal with Inter Milan at the end of the current season. The 25-year-old joined the Nerazzurri on a short-term loan from Barcelona last month, though the Italian side have the option to buy him outright for €38 million in the summer.


Rafinha made his maiden league start for Inter during their 2-0 win over Benevento, and shortly after the game, he highlighted his ambition to remain with the San Siro outfit, he said: "Of course, that’s what I want. I did not come here thinking that I will recover my form and go back to Barcelona. I want to stay here, then all else will depend on Inter. I feel good, I’m finding the right rhythm, I’m happy with my condition and I’m adapting."

The Sao Paolo-born ace was rewarded with his start after impressing during the initial month of his Serie A career, and manager Luciano Spalletti was full of praise for the Brazilian's tireless workrate on the field, he said: "I am very satisfied with Rafinha, as I didn’t expect him to do that well for that length of time. He kept asking to stay on for another five minutes, but he chased everything down and went into the tackle. He did great."

The victory was a rare one for Inter Milan, who have struggled for form since the turn of the year, but it nevertheless takes them to fourth in the standings, one point ahead of AS Roma, who suffered a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of AC Milan on Sunday.

The likes of Sampdoria and AC Milan have also within seven points off Inter after picking up their form in recent months, and Spalletti will hope that his team can withstand the pressure in order to finish in the top-four, which assures a place in next season's Champions League.