NBA ace set to rescind Lakers contract in order to join Inter on a 6 month deal
In one of arguably most bizarre transfers ever, 39 year old NBA star Steve Nash could be on his way to starting a football career with top Serie A side Inter Milan. After a 3 day trial with the club, which was originally a strategic media event planned by Inter general manager Marco Fassone in order to approach a wider audience and expand the clubs brand, the staff were left impressed, including newly appointed Inter supremo Walter Mazzari.
Reports suggest Nash is willing to take a massive pay cut in order to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a soccer player and his wages are expected somewhere in the range between 1 and 1.5 million euros after tax on a yearly basis (as his deal has an option for another 6 months depending on performance and appearances), a price Inter are more than willing to pay as financial gains from jersey sales and popularity rise in US and Canada will not only compensate for his salary but also make the investment multiply several times.
Although Nash prefers a more offensive playmaking role, Inter boss Walter Mazzari plans to give him a role similar to one that Andrea Pirlo occupies at rival team Juventus. Nash is expected to wear number 21, as his current Lakers number 10 jersey is occupied by wonderkid Mate Kovacic. 10 is the number formerly worn by Zinedine Zidane, his favorite footballer and also the reason he chose to wear number 10 after joining L.A. Lakers as his former 13 was retired in honor of NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. Number 21 is the number also worn by Zinedine Zidane is his time with Juventus.
In a quick interview at Inter's training facilities in Pinzolo, Nash said his passion and admiration for football made the decision easy.