10 forgotten Inter Milan players from the last 30 years

Mitchell Fretton
LiveScore
Phillipe Coutinho made 28 appearances for Inter Milan
Phillipe Coutinho made 28 appearances for Inter Milan

Inter Milan remain one of the most iconic and recognisable clubs in world football and have housed a host of legendary players during the last 30 years.

The 19-time Serie A winners and three-time Champions League victors made it to the final of Europe's prestigious competition in 2023 and currently lead the way in Italy's top flight.

But it has not always been smooth sailing at the San Siro. 

We take a look at 10 players you may not remember who turned out for Inter.

Paul Ince (1995-97)

Having tallied over 200 appearances for Manchester United between 1989-95, Paul Ince was sold to Inter after a falling out with Alex Ferguson.

His performances were well received by fans during his two-year stay but the midfielder decided to turn down a new contract and join Liverpool instead.

Andrea Pirlo (1998-01)

Andrea Pirlo is a forgotten face in an Inter Milan shirt
Andrea Pirlo is a forgotten face in an Inter Milan shirt

Despite being famed for his time in red and black, Andrea Pirlo spent three years at Inter before switching his allegiance to AC Milan.

Italy's legendary midfielder did his best to break into manager Luigi Simoni's starting XI but would only manage 40 appearances for the club and went go on to win the Champions League with the Rossoneri instead.

Robbie Keane (2000-01)

Premier League icon Robbie Keane spent just one year in Italy after arriving from Coventry for £13million.

Making just 15 appearances for Inter, the Republic of Ireland striker was soon on his way back to England, joining Leeds before heading to Tottenham in 2002.

Leonardo Bonucci (2005-09)

Leonardo Bonucci has sported three iconic jerseys during his Serie A tenure — Juventus, AC Milan and Inter.

The 36-year-old kicked off his senior career with the Coppa Italia holders but made only four appearances in as many years.

Philippe Coutinho (2008-13)

Philippe Coutinho made his name at Inter Milan
Philippe Coutinho made his name at Inter Milan

Once upon a time, before his £142m switch to Barcelona in 2018, Philippe Coutinho emerged as an exciting talent for Inter Milan.

The Brazilian magician turned out 47 times for the Nerazzurri, tallying nine goal contributions before sealing an £8.5m move to Liverpool.

Nemanja Vidic (2014-16)

Nemanja Vidic is in the conversation as one of the Premier League's best-ever defenders but his form dipped after Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

At the end of his contract in Manchester, the Serbian powerhouse made his way to Italy where he would see out the final years of his career before retiring in 2016.

Lukas Podolski (2015)

Lukas Podolski spent a short stint on loan in Milan
Lukas Podolski spent a short stint on loan in Milan

You would be forgiven for forgetting Lukas Podolski's time at Inter considering he spent a mere six months on loan from Arsenal.

The German scored just once in 18 appearances before joining Galatasaray in the summer.

Xherdan Shaqiri (2015)

Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri followed a similar path to Podolski, spending six months at Inter — although the Italian side did sign him on a permanent deal rather than a loan.

Like his German team-mate, Shaqiri did not live up to his potential in the fashion capital of the world and departed for Stoke where he rediscovered his best form.

Stevan Jovetic (2015-17)

Stevan Jovetic scored seven goals at Inter Milan
Stevan Jovetic scored seven goals at Inter Milan

Now playing for Olympiacos, Stevan Jovetic has represented some of Europe's top clubs including Manchester City, Sevilla, Monaco and of course, Inter.

The 6ft striker was initially sent on loan from City in 2015 before making his switch permanent a year later, going on to score just seven goals and becoming surplus to requirements under Frank de Boer.

Ashley Young (2020-21)

Antonio Conte had a vision for his Inter side and although the recruitment of Ashley Young may have seemed strange, the England international was key in their run to the Scudetto in 2020-21.

The ex-Manchester United man returned to Aston Villa having made 59 appearances over two seasons.

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InterSerie A