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‘He is like me’: Giorgio Chiellini describes reported Spurs target as his double
A player reportedly wanted by Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has been described as Giorgio Chiellini’s double by the legendary defender himself.
Spurs are believed to be interested in Inter Milan defender Diego Godin as a potential replacement for Jan Vertonghen, whose future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium remains in doubt.
, which credits Tottenham with an interest in Godin, noted how the Uruguay international was previously on Mourinho’s radar at Manchester United.
Godin almost joined the Portuguese at Old Trafford in 2018 before performing a U-turn and staying with Atletico Madrid for one more season, leaving the boss “fuming”.
The 34-year-old then swapped Atletico for Inter last summer and has made 25 appearances for the Nerazzurri (), but his days at the San Siro appear to be numbered.
A report from April claims that Godin simply isn’t suited to Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 formation and Inter are now considering offers for the Uruguayan to get him off their wage bill.
Godin is believed to be on a contract worth €5million per year (around £84,000-a-week) plus bonuses until the summer of 2022 and Inter could save themselves close to €20million (£17.5million) overall if they sell him.
The Mirror (15 April, page 49) claims that he could be available for as little as £7million.
“I like to study my opponents; the attackers but also the defenders – including the Uruguayan Godin,” Chiellini wrote in his new autobiography, as serialised by . “Someone who Antonio Conte brought to Inter and not by chance.
“If you ask me who in the world lives the matches and the profession in my own style, I would say Godin. He is like me. Even if we are different in our characteristics, we are both charismatic and we know how to lead the team. If I name another Chiellini, I would say him.”
TBR View:
Godin is undoubtedly a defender of the highest calibre – his CV speaks for itself, and to have Chiellini praise him so highly is a badge of honour.
However, there are two big issues with the Uruguayan as a potential Spurs signing – his age and his current salary.
Needless to say, while Godin is a great player, there are probably much better options available to Spurs this summer when all things are considered.