The father of Inter Milan forward Gabriel "Gabigol" Barbosa has denied reports of a move to Las Palmas this summer by saying his son is keen on staying with the club.
Gabigol scored once in nine Serie A outings in his first season as an Inter player, but with Luciano Spalletti set to become his fourth coach, his father says he is intent on trying to make the breakthrough with the Nerazzurri next season.
"With all due respect for the Spanish club, we have never had any contact with them, nor any request for him to go there on loan," Valdemir Silva Almeida told Mediaset. "These are purely transfer market inventions.
"At the moment, Gabriel is on holiday in Brazil to enjoy some free time with his family and friends and to recharge his batteries for next season.
"You know what potential he has. He has always faced up to challenges and this time won't be any different. My son's intention is to stay at Inter and make the fans there happy -- Forza Inter, always!"
Gabigol has four years still to run on his contract with Inter and, despite failing to get a regular game this season -- he made only one start, in the Coppa Italia, and nine substitute appearances in Serie A -- he appears intent on trying again under a new coach next season.