Inter legend Ivan Cordoba has voiced his approval for the impending arrival of defender John Stones, describing him as one of his most admired players. However, Cordoba also hopes that Inter will successfully sign Cristian Romero to further strengthen the squad.
Stones, a former Manchester City player, is reportedly set to undergo medical examinations with Inter as a free agent on Thursday. Cordoba, who spent 12 years with Inter, winning multiple Serie A titles and a Champions League, commented on the potential acquisition.
"This is the opportunity. I said it long ago: he’s one of the defenders I admire most," Cordoba told Gazzetta.
Despite the imminent addition of Stones, Inter remains in negotiations with Tottenham for Romero. Cordoba believes Romero would be an excellent signing for the Nerazzurri.
"He would be an excellent addition," Cordoba noted. "He’s the right player to bolster the defence. I see a bit of myself in him in terms of determination and character, even though ‘Cuti’ is more ‘physical’ than I was. He would complete the squad perfectly."
Cordoba also touched upon the financial disparities between Serie A and the Premier League, referencing Inter's failed pursuit of Marco Palestra, who joined Chelsea. He argued that the issue lies deeper than just finances, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure.
"There’s a lot of talk about ideas, but the truth is we need to go back to basics," Cordoba said. "And by basics, I mean infrastructure: it’s unacceptable that building a club-owned stadium in Italy is so complicated. Facilities alone aren’t enough, of course, but they kick-start a virtuous cycle in which revenue generates further revenue. Look at Atalanta; they’re a prime example."
The former Colombia international dismissed the notion that the increasing number of foreign players in Serie A is the primary problem for the league. He contrasted Serie A's current standing with its past prominence.
"Nonsense. When I arrived, Serie A was the most sought-after league; now it’s behind the Premier League, and even La Liga and the Bundesliga," he concluded. "The issue isn’t the number of foreign players, but a lack of courage in developing Italian youngsters. Look at Pio Esposito: at 21, we still label him as ‘young’. Yet, in other countries, strong players at 21 already have 100 first-team appearances."
