The Netherlands international has been linked with a move away from the Serie A giants, but the San Siro side's boss feels that the midfielder is an integral part of the side
SOURCE: GOAL
Inter coach Claudio Ranieri has spoken of the importance of playmaker Wesley Sneijder, stating that the attacking midfielder is a leader of the team.
The Netherlands international has been linked with a move away from the Milanese club, with Manchester United supposed suitors.
Despite this, the 60-year-old was full of praise for the former Real Madrid man, and feels that he gives his side direction.
“Sneijder is our prize jewel," the ex-Juventus boss told Mediaset.
"He has to give 120 per cent. He mustn't just be part of the squad; he has to be our leader, the one who takes us by the hand and shows us the way to great things.”
The Rome-born trainer took over from Gian Piero Gasperini after the disastrous start to the current campaign, and has led the Giuseppe Meazza outfit from the lower echelons of the Serie A standings to fifth place at the winter break.
Ranieri feels that his work ethic is evident with the players and fans, which will make him a favourite at the club.
“If you ask me why the Inter fans have taken to me so quickly, all I can think of is that they must like my attitude to hard work - I've got my head down and focused on sorting Inter out," he added.
“I have a strong character, I say what I think and with age my defects have worsened... I joined Inter at a difficult time when the team were up to their necks but I also saw determination and a sense of belonging.
“It annoyed me when I heard people saying these players were old and wise, and I remained calm even when we lost because I could see how they worked," he concluded.
Inter take on Parma on January 7 upon the resumption of Serie A, and will look to continue their assault towards the summit of the Italian top flight.
