Phil Neville provides update on Matias Pellegrini's Inter Miami future
Inter Miami has loaned out winger Matias Pellegrini to Estudiantes in Argentina, confirmed the MLS side on Monday. Though the deal doesn’t include a purchase option, it appears the player will not be returning to the South Florida team.
Pellegrini has failed to play an active role in the 2021 MLS season after an investigation revealed mismanagement from Inter Miami.
Major League Soccer revealed the acquisition of Blaise Matuidi determined the Frenchman should have been categorized as a Designated Player, leaving four players in three permitted slots. Pelligrini’s contract did not permit the player to be added to the roster as an Under-22 Initiative signing, forcing the 21-year old into the wilderness.
“We all feel so sorry for him, he probably doesn’t quite understand what’s happening and why he had to leave," Neville said.
"Through no fault of his own. That's why we feel so sorry for him. All he wanted to do was pull on the shirt of Inter Miami. Even until the last day we were trying to find ways he could play for us, but ultimately there was no way.
"There was no way the league would let us, any way we wanted to. The boy wanted to rip up his contract to start again and play for this football club, give everything to play for this football club. That was his commitment to us.”
Pellegrini recorded 19 appearances for Inter Miami in 2020, managing one goal and four assists before his career with the Major League Soccer side came to an abrupt end. While the loan stands as a temporary plan for the player, Inter Miami head coach Phil Neville provided an insight into his future.
“Unfortunately, I think his Inter Miami career is behind him,” Neville said. “We wish him all the best, he’s a fantastic young boy. We will miss him."