Lazio president Claudio Lotito has claimed that club were forced to sell Hernanes to Inter Milan.

The Brazilian midfielder completed a deadline-day switch to the Nerazzurri after failing to agree a new contract with the Rome outfit.

"For a year we showed with strength and conviction that we wanted Hernanes to continue his professional experience with the club," he told Il Tempo. "We always believed in his qualities as a man and as a player. We never had any doubts in offering him the chance to continue with an important contract, which would have made him a leader.

"There was also a buyout clause included, but after the last attempt with his agent and the player, we couldn't reach a positive conclusion.

"We were forced into a corner by Hernanes's refusal to sign, so simply had to accept Inter's offer to avoid losing him on a free transfer. It was a very painful decision, but inevitable to safeguard the club's finances."

Lazio are currently 10th in the Serie A table.