Geoffrey Kondogbia admits he spoke with Juventus fullback Patrice Evra ahead of moving to Inter Milan.

Kondogbia joined Inter last month from AS Monaco.

“The Coach (Roberto Mancini) was a big factor in my choice, more than 50 per cent. He told me what I wanted to hear.

“A lot of players have ended up at the wrong club, because they haven't spoken with the Coach, and haven't had that bond. I had that, and it played a key role.

“I also spoke to Patrice Evra, thought not specifically about Inter. His view was very important to me, he made me realise that once you've tried Serie A, nothing will impress you more.

“He also told me that it would help me to improve in every sense. The training is harder in Italy, and as a result everything else becomes easier.

“A lot of players were in Italy and then tore things up in other Leagues like [Zinedine] Zidane or [Thierry] Henry.

“If you take [Juventus' Paul] Pogba as an example, you can see that if you move elsewhere then you'll adapt."