France Midfielder On Failed Inter Milan Transfer: 'Roma Believed In Me, Want To Give My All'

Originally posted on SempreInter.com | By Marko Vrakela | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 8:14 AM ET

Inter Milan made a valiant effort to sign Manu Kone in the summer, yet Roma refused to negotiate the midfielder’s exit.

Interviewed after France’s win over Iceland via FCInterNews, Kone thanked the Giallorossi for ‘believing in me.’

Manu Kone joined Roma from Borussia Monchengladbach last summer and swiftly became indispensable.

Indeed, the 24-year-old made 34 appearances in Serie A last season, establishing himself as a starter.

Though he initially joined on loan, Roma splashed out €18 million to sign him permanently in June.

Little did the Giallorossi know that Inter would knock on their door only two months later.

After failing to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, the Nerazzurri turned to Kone to strengthen their midfield.

However, Roma fended them off, forcing Beppe Marotta to purchase Andy Diouf from Lens.

While Diouf has yet to start for Inter this term, Kone continues to be Roma’s most consistent midfielder.

Furthermore, he has become a permanent fixture in France’s national team.

Manu Kone Thanks Roma for Trusting Him After Failed Inter Milan Move

Kone’s teammates have recently branded him ‘underrated.’ Asked to offer his opinion, he replied: “Well, that’s very kind of them. I don’t know what to say, but it’s very kind.

“Maybe it’s because I left France very early,” he added, “I only played six months in Ligue 1 and a year in Ligue 2, so maybe what I was doing wasn’t really noticed.”

Then, he opened up on his time at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I don’t think everyone watches Serie A. But what I do for the national team, I feel I’ve been doing for a long time.

“However, I lacked consistency back then.

“Today, I’ve reached a point in my career where, arriving at Roma, I’ve found that consistency.

“It’s a team that believed in me during the last transfer window, so I try to give my best for them.”

This article first appeared on SempreInter.com and was syndicated with permission.

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