Inter Milan withdraws Chivu interest

Jul 4, 2007 - 5:28 PM By Cindy Garcia-Bennett Special to PA SportsTicker

MILAN, Italy (Ticker) - Inter Milan has pulled out of the race to sign Roma's central defender Christian Chivu.

In an official statement by the club on Wednesday, the Nerazzurri confirmed it no longer wished to sign the Romanian international.

"Inter Mian confirms it has sent a fax to AS Roma to announce that, despite our admiration for the player, we have no intention to continue with the negotiations to acquire Cristian Chivu," said the statement.

Chivu, who is also a target of Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, had been linked with a move to the San Siro for the past few months.

The Italian media reported on Wednesday that Real Madrid has made an $24 million offer to Roma for the 26-year-old.

Inter president Massimo Moratti had said earlier this week that his club would not start a bidding war with other sides to acquire any player.

Chivu's future now looks more likely to be in the Primera Liga.