Inter Milan have announced the signing of Atletico Madrid defender Miranda, and the Brazilian centre-back is set to play a key role in helping the Nerazzurri return to the Champions League.

The defender, who started all four of Brazil’s games in the 2015 Copa America, enjoyed four trophy-laden seasons with Atletico, and his experience and quality are just what Inter need to fire them up the table.

Miranda is the latest signing in an impressive summer window for Inter, who have already captured the highly sought-after defensive midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia and defender Jeison Murillo.

The Italian outfit confirmed his acquisition on their official website and Twitter feed:

Per Lancenet (h/t AS), the Brazilian recently praised his new team ahead of the move: “I can say that Inter Milan is a great team in international football and hopefully again they will be one of the best teams in Europe.”

With Miranda joining their other signings, Inter are sure to improve next season.

According to Squawka, Miranda won 49 per cent of his tackles and 59 per cent of his headed duels in La Liga last season and was Atletico‘s sixth-highest rated player.

As WhoScored.com notes, the Brazilian is often an effective last line of defence ahead of the goalkeeper:

The 30-year-old’s ability to remain cool under pressure and win the ball in such circumstances comes as excellent news for Inter’s error-prone defence.

Last year, the Guardian‘s Sid Lowe described Miranda as “an astonishing bit of business,” and Inter have done well to secure his signature in the face of interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, per Matt Law of the Telegraph.

As the likes of Hugo Campagnaro and Nemanja Vidic approach the twilight of their careers at 35 and 33 respectively, Miranda’s presence and the potential of a partnership with Murillo can rejuvenate the side, which conceded 48 goals in Serie A last season.

Having played over 100 times for Atletico across La Liga and in the Champions League, Miranda is a player of vast experience but remains young enough to have a positive impact on Roberto Mancini’s back line for several years.

The Nerazzurri will be hoping to add yet more quality to their squad throughout the summer, most likely in forward areas having already added defensive players to the squad.

However, thanks to Miranda’s addition, along with their other signings, Inter already have what they need to make serious improvements and contest a Champions League place next season.

from Bleacher Report – Front Page http://ift.tt/1H0240b
via IFTTT http://ift.tt/eA8V8J