Renzo Contratto, the agent of Joel Obi, says his client will live up to his billing if he is injury free, and remains on the payroll of Inter Milan this coming season.

Last term, the Nigeria international was shipped out on loan to Parma to get some match time after he struggled with injuries for a large chunk of the 2012 - 2013 campaign.

“Obi is earning his place? To say that he is earning the spot for me is perhaps an exaggeration. To say that he is proving to be a player that Inter need is certainly right. I’ve always said that he is a player who, when he is well, can play for Inter,” Contratto told fcinternews.

“He always has the respect of the club and that was proved when he signed a major contract even when he was injured.

“He has had a series of injuries that have affected him so far in his career. If he can overcome these difficulties, he has everything to fight for the stay at Inter.

“Obi has all the qualities to be useful to a coach. He’s a great professional, a focused player and from the tactical point of view, he offers a flexibility that is not found in many players.

“I think he has a good chance to fight to stay at Inter.

“The important thing is that Obi has sent out a signal to those in charge that the difficulties are behind him, this is the most important thing. Everything else comes after.”

23 - year - old Joel Obi has been on the books of the Nerazzurri for 9 straight years.