Report: Joao Mario picks Inter Milan over Chelsea

Sporting's midfielder Joao Mario (L) vies with Vitoria Guimaraes' forward Ricardo Valente during the Portuguese league football match Sporting CP vs Vitoria de Guimaraes at the Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on October 4, 2015
© Getty Images
Sporting Lisbon's Joao Mario reportedly decides to join Inter Milan, despite strong interest from Premier League side Chelsea.

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Mario has reportedly turned down the chance to join Chelsea this summer in favour of making a move to Inter Milan.

The 23-year-old played a key role in Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph and also impressed for Sporting last season - scoring seven times in 45 appearances for the Portuguese outfit.

It had been reported that Chelsea were the favourites to sign the £33m-rated midfielder, but according to The Sun, the 18-time Portugal international has decided to join Inter over the Blues.

Mario has made 75 first-team appearances for Sporting since making his first-team bow in 2011.

Sporting's forward Joao Mario celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Portuguese Liga football match CD Tondela vs SC Sporting at the Aveiro City stadium in Aveiro on August 14, 2015
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