Denzel Dumfries explains why he snubbed Everton in favour to join Inter Milan

Denzel Dumfries has explained why he opted for a move to Inter Milan over Everton.

The Toffees were keen to bring the right-back to Goodison Park from PSV Eindhoven during last summer’s transfer window.

‘I didn’t think twice’

Everton wanted Dumfries, 25, to provide competition to club captain and stalwart Seamus Coleman in defence.

However, Rafa Benitez’s side were unable to get a deal over the line.

Instead, the Holland international joined Inter for around €15 million after they won the Serie A title.

And Dumfries, who’s scored twice in 23 games for the Nerazzurri this season, admits a switch to the San Siro was always his first choice.

Speaking to Dutch media outlet Voetbalinternational, he said: “It took some time before the deal with Inter was closed. When it was done I got chills.”

“I called all the players to introduce myself, I spent days with Mino Raiola [an agent]. My desire to wear the Inter shirt prevailed.

“Everton were interested too, but I didn’t think twice. I really wanted to go to Inter. The champions of Italy, a club with great heritage in Italy and in the Champions League.

“I wanted to play football and show what I can do here,” he said of his start at the club. I can say that it was logical that I wasn’t a starter right away – I arrived here without enough preparation and it is my first time abroad.

“Different language, a new environment, a different culture and a completely new way of playing. If [in the Netherlands] in a 4-3-3 the ball is on the left, I tuck in from the right.

I’ve been doing this for almost twenty years. My body does it automatically, but at Inter it is forbidden,” he went on.

“Here I have to stay wide. I worked hard and learned it. Inter and Serie A football is very tactical. I didn’t underestimate anything, I knew it would be like that.”

“But I expected to play more at the beginning, I will honest about that.

“But it’s nice that after a period on the bench I have been able to play as a regular. I’m used to the team, the players, and the style of play and now I have seen more of the opposition we face.”

“I feel that I am more and more ready to be a key player at all times. This is what I want from myself.”

Failed right-back search

Dumfries was one of several right-backs who Everton were unable to sign in the summer.

Arsenal denied Ainsley Maitland-Niles a loan switch to Merseyside on transfer deadline day.

Meanwhile, Rangers turned down bids for youngster Nathan Patterson.

It was also reported afte the window shut that the Blues enquired about Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters.

Right-back is a position Benitez may look to bolster when the winter window opens next month.