Sainsbury scores plum loan deal with Inter

Trent Sainsbury says he is ready for the biggest challenge of his career after his move to Italian giants Inter Milan.

Trent Sainsbury in action for his Chinese team Jiangsu Suning. Picture: Getty Images

Trent Sainsbury says he’s ready for the biggest challenge of his career, following his stunning move to Italian giants Inter Milan.

With the transfer window cut-off winding down to the last 15 hours, the Socceroo secured a loan deal that will take him from China to Italy’s Serie A for the next five months.

The 25-year-old former Central Coast Mariners star is set to become the ninth Australian to play in the Serie A, joining Frank Farina, Paul Okon, Mark Bresciano, John Aloisi, Vince Grella, Zeljko Kalac, Josh Brillante and James Troisi.

He will join a club steeped in tradition. The Nerazzuri have won 18 Italian championships, seven Copa Italias and three Champions Leagues and Europa Cups.

Sainsbury, an outstanding defender with good vision who is strong in the air and on the ball, was still pinching himself when he spoke to The Australian late yesterday. “I’m nervously excited. To go to a club of Inter Milan’s calibre is an incredible opportunity,” he said. “It’s one of the top European clubs and an organisation which is recognised the world over. Just the thought of possibly playing at the San Siro is giving me goosebumps.

“This will be a big challenge for my footballing career but I’m up for the fight. I want to learn from this experience, both culturally and from the football side of things. I’ve always dreamt of playing at a heavyweight European club so I have a chance now to do that, and I’m going to make the most of this opportunity.

“I’ve had experiences in European football but this is a completely different level. I know the fans are extremely passionate and treat the club like their own family.”

Sainsbury, capped 21 times for Australia, has come a long way since making his A-League debut under Graham Arnold at the Mariners in 2010. He had joined from the AIS after being part of the Perth Glory youth set-up.

Sainsbury blossomed under Arnold, playing 61 games for Central Coast and winning a championship in 2013 before joining Dutch club PEC Zwolle in 2014. He made 28 appearances for Zwolle before moving to Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning on one of the biggest financial deals ever for an Australian player.

Interestingly, Suning’s owners, the giant retail company Suning Holding Group, bought a 68.85 per cent majority share in Inter in June, becoming the first Chinese owners of a club in the Serie A.

Arnold, who has been a key figure in Sainsbury’s career, said he was delighted for him.

“It’s a fantastic move for the kid and one of the biggest moves in the history of the A-League,” Arnold said yesterday.

“There is no better experience for the kid than to train at such a wonderful facility, with such wonderful players under some great coaches and playing at the San Siro.”