Inter Milan GM Beppe Marotta has explained releasing Chile international pair Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal.

Alexis eventually signed for Olympique Marseille, while Vidal joined Flamengo.

"Sanchez did not remain because of economic issues, as we needed to lower the overall wage bill," Marotta told La Tercera in Chile.

“I can assure you, it was not a request of our coach.

"As for Vidal, that was simply his age. Our sporting project necessitated bringing in younger players, for example Kristjan Asllani, who was born in 2002."