Mourinho told Sneijder to stay at Inter

Published Sep. 4, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder revealed Jose Mourinho told him to stay at the Italian soccer giant this summer, rather than sign for Manchester United, Sky Sports reported Sunday.

Sneijder was strongly linked with a move away to the English Premier League during the transfer window.

The Dutchman recently admitted there was an approach from United this summer, but told the Italian press his former Inter coach Mourinho influenced his decision to stay at the San Siro.

"Mourinho called me and he told me to stay. He has an Inter heart and he has always told me to remain," Sneijder told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I am happy to have stayed because I never wanted to leave and so I no longer want to speak about Manchester United."

Rumors continue to link the Dutch star with a move to Old Trafford, with Manchester United continuing to rely on young midfielders Anderson and Tom Cleverley as they defend their Premier League title.

Manchester United currently sit first in the Premier League, winning all three of their matches while amassing the league's best goal difference (+10).

Mourinho is the former manager of rival Premier League club Chelsea, winning two league titles during his three-and-a-half year stint at Stamfore Bridge. Less than a year after leaving the West London-based club, Mourinho was hired by Inter Milan, where he led the Nerazzurri to two Serie A titles and the 2009-10 UEFA Champions League crown.

Sneijder moved to Inter Milan before that 2009-10 campaign. In October, Sneijder signed a contract extention with Inter that runs through the 2014-15 season.