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Inter Milan reportedly decided to offload Benjamin Pavard this summer for reasons that were primarily off the pitch.

This according to Italian broadcaster SportItalia, via FCInter1908.

Inter had a busier deadline day than many had anticipated.

The Nerazzurri loaned defender Benjamin Pavard to Marseille, two years after he had arrived from Bayern Munich.

There had been transfer links concerning Pavard all summer. However, it took until the very end of the transfer window for the Frenchman to finally leave.

This came after Inter found a suitable replacement for Pavard, in the form of Manuel Akanji.

This move took many by surprise. In terms of ability as well as age, replacing Pavard with Akanji would appear to be at best a sideways move for Inter.

Inter Offloaded Benjamin Pavard For Off-The-Pitch Reasons

According to SportItalia, though, behind the scenes there were factors that pushed Pavard and Inter to separate.

This had nothing to do with the former Bayern Munich defender’s ability on the pitch.

Pavard remains a high level defender. Furthermore, he is still a player who suits the back three defense very well.

However, there was discontent behind the scenes.

Particularly, SportItalia report, the words from Inter captain Lautaro Martinez imploring players who “don’t want to stay to leave” were not ones that Pavard forgot.

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

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