EXCLUSIVE: It's only onward and upward for Mateo Kovacic at Real Madrid, says his agent.
Kovacic enjoyed a tidy Real debut on Sunday in the stalemate with Sporting Gijon, the midfielder entering the fray on 71 minutes and impressing while on the ball. The Croatian completed 87% of his passes during his cameo.
At former club, Inter Milan, there's a split, with many Nerazzurri identities lamenting the decision to sell.
Ex-Inter president Massimo Moratti says the deal was "good business", while former defender Beppe Bergomi also supported the sale. However, Aldo Serena believed Kovacic wasn't treated fairly during his time in Milan and even coach Roberto Mancini concedes UEFA's Financial Fair Play laws were the biggest factor in the decision to sell.
However, for Kovacic's camp, there's no point going over old ground.
Nikky Vuksan, who first took Kovacic to Inter from Dinamo Zagreb and also oversaw his €35 million move to Real, says it's now time for everyone to look forward.
"Now that everything is done there is no need to be looking backwards," Vuksan told tribalfootball.com. "Now is the time to only look forward."
Vuksan says Real have landed themselves not only a top talent, but also a great character.
"It is a great deal by a great club," added Vuksan. "They have signed a great player and person."
Rafa Benitez's decision to hand Kovacic over 20 minutes at Sporting is viewed in Madrid as a clear sign he sees the Croatia international as a valuable member of his midfield plans for the coming season.
