France and Serie A icon Michel Platini has revealed that it was in fact not Juventus who first approached to sign him when he was at French side Saint-Etienne. Surprisingly, the Bianconeri’s hottest rivals Inter Milan were the first Italian club to enquire for his services, as per the former UEFA President himself.
Speaking at the Magna Graecia Film Festival in Catanzaro, Platini disclosed the Nerazzurri’s attempt to sign him and also the reason why the move did not come into fruition.
“In 1979, there was Inter who wanted me. But the borders remained closed for foreigners and I did not go,” said Platini. (via FCInterNews)
Serie A limited the number of foreign players allowed to join Italian clubs in the 1980s and 1990s, eventually moving away from the rule as calcio earned a global reputation.
Platini joined Juventus in 1982 from Saint-Etienne, going on to make history in Turin with three Ballon d’Or claims in a row. He scored 103 goals in 222 appearances for the Bianconeri, winning two Scudetti along with the European Cup in 1984/85.
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