Barella: English football 'most beautiful'

Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella has distanced himself from Inter and admitted that English football is ‘the most beautiful’.

Sport Mediaset reported on Thursday that Inter were pressing to sign Barella, but the 22-year-old seems to be holding out for a Premier League side instead.

“There are three games left, and I want to give my all in them,” he told Radiolina.

“After that, I’ll sit down with the President and my agent to assess what’s best for Cagliari and I going forward.

“I know nothing about an agreement with Inter. Right now, English football is the most beautiful [as] both European Finals will be played by four English teams.”

So what can fans of the Sardinian’s next club expect from him?

“Lately I’ve been able to pick up less bookings, also because as a No 10 I’m playing less in defence.

“I feel like a central midfielder, but I’ve also felt good since the Coach moved me into the role of No 10.

“I’ve learned a lot, the Coach taught me many things. I should score a bit more. I’d like to help the team more, but I’m also third in Serie A for hitting posts and crossbars so I’ve been a bit unlucky.

“Like I always said, as a child I was enthused by [Dejan] Stankovic. Then growing up I got to know Daniele Conti and he couldn’t not be an idol.

“I resemble [Radja] Nainggolan a bit in terms of playing style, although we have different characteristics.

“I also liked [Steven] Gerrard very much. Cossu was a big brother in football terms.

“He often scolded me at first, but then I realised he wanted me to understand where I was going wrong to help me grow.”