Germany great Franz Beckenbauer has spoken of how close he came to joining Inter Milan.

The World Cup winner admits a move to AC Milan was also considered during his celebrated career.

“I have sympathized with Italy all my life," he told BILD.

"I almost didn't play there too. In 1966, Inter wanted to take me; a year later, Milan looked for me."

He added, “Nothing ever came of it because at that moment the Italian League had imposed a ban on foreigners. So I stayed at Bayern Munich."