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Rafa plans to keep stars

Image: Maicon: In Rafa's plans

Rafa Benitez plans to keep Maicon, Mario Balotelli and Esteban Cambiasso and would not discuss Javier Mascherano.

Maicon, Balotelli and Cambiasso part of new Inter boss' plans

New Inter Milan manager Rafa Benitez has indicated he plans to keep Maicon, Mario Balotelli and Esteban Cambiasso at the club. The former Liverpool boss was unveiled as Jose Mourinho's successor at a press conference on Tuesday. Much speculation has surrounded what changes Benitez may make this summer, with a number of players' futures the subject of conjecture. In particular, right-back Maicon has been linked with a move to Mourinho's new club Real Madrid. But Benitez said: "We have so many class players and Maicon is one of them. "Maicon is important for us, we must speak with the club about him and decide, but for now he's our player and we are happy because Maicon is very strong." It has also been suggested the controversial Balotelli could depart, but Benitez appears keen to retain his services. He said: "Balotelli is a quality player, and we are happy to have him with us, we need to work well with him."

Mascherano

Benitez is reportedly keen on bringing Liverpool's Javier Mascherano to Italy, perhaps partnering him with fellow Argentine Cambiasso in midfield. Of the rumours, the Spanish coach said: "For me, Cambiasso is a player of the highest level, we are happy to have him here. "I cannot talk about the other one (Mascherano) because he is not ours." He continued: "I've only been here two days. It's important to talk about important players, and there will be time for that. "I will try to buy good players, of a good level who will suit a top level club but I can't say their names. Good players. "I don't talk about players of other teams. We have to analyse the future and then we will decide what player we want.
Milito
"It's always difficult to improve something that has worked so well. "We are analysing everything, I think we can do it but I prefer to work calmly now in the club and then think of other things. "I'm very happy to be here. Very happy and very proud." Inter technical director Marco Branca concluded to Sky Italia that key striker Diego Milito will not be leaving the club. He added: "Is Milito transferable? No."

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