Outcast Gabriel Barbosa played the final four minutes in Inter Milan’s 3-0 win over Lazio on Wednesday.
However, Gabigol’s future at the club still remains unclear as the Brazil forward’s struggles to break into Inter’s first-team continue.
The Nerazzurri spent a whopping €29.5 million to get the 20-year-old to San Siro in August.
Although Gabigol is yet to start a competitive match for the team and specualations have been rife that the young attacker could be on his way out in January.
Inter Milan boss Stefano Pioli was asked about Gabriel Barbosa’s future at the club to which he said, “I am happy at the enthusiasm for Gabigol, but I’d like to see him make some moves that are more useful and not just spectacular for the sake of being spectacular.”
“Will he remain? We are evaluating the situation. Our first objective in January is to whittle down the squad, because we want players who are happy to be at a big club like Inter.”
“We are Inter, proud to be a big team and will go forward only with those who share that view.”
Meanwhile, Gabigol’s agent Wagner Ribeiro has said that his client has no future at the San Siro.
“I understand that he is young and has a lot to learn, but I wonder what he is lacking that is preventing him from playing,” Ribeiro said.
“If Inter were top of Serie A I’d say they’re waiting for him to play. But Inter are in mid-table and he still has no chance.”
“I met president [Erick] Thohir and he told me that Inter would make Gabriel the best player in the world.”
“Gabriel arrived in Italy, he was greeted by more than a thousand people in the airport and was presented in an auditorium as they did with Ronaldo.”
“He is physically well and fits into the team, but in three months has played only 19 minutes.”
“In January, I will ask [sporting director Piero] Ausilio what Pioli’s plan is for him. Will he give him a chance or will they send him away on loan?”
“I do not want to force the coach, but if he does not play then there will be opportunities in another team: Adriano, for example, went to Parma and returned as king.”