Sule: Inter and Milan want me but…

Hoffenheim defender Niklas Süle confirms interest from Inter and Milan, but won’t join either as they are “in decline”.

The 21-year-old is already a German international, and reportedly turned down a €30m move to Chelsea in the summer.

“Milan and Inter?” Süle considered in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I know my agent was contacted, but in my opinion a move to Italy wouldn’t make any sense.

“Milan and Inter have lost the magic which distinguished them. In the past they had great players, the clubs’ names have weight, it’s a beautiful city, the fans are passionate… but the clubs are in decline.

“Going to one of them from the Bundesliga would be a step back, as for years they’ve been struggling to qualify for Europe. I’d prefer the Premier League.”

But surely Italy is the home of great defenders?

“[Fabio] Cannavaro was instrumental in the 2006 World Cup, and I was excited by [Alessandro] Nesta.

“Now they’re no longer the best. [Leonardo] Bonucci and [Giorgio] Chiellini are good, but [Sergio] Ramos and [Jerome] Boateng are on another level.

“Serie A is only the fourth-best League in Europe.”