Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has expressed her delight after completing a move to Italian giants Inter Women, describing the transfer as the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career.
The 31-year-old Nigeria international joined the Nerazzurri from Women’s Super League side Everton on Saturday, signing a two-year contract that will keep her at the club until 2028.
Payne spent two seasons at Everton after joining on a free transfer from Spanish club Sevilla in 2024. During her spell on Merseyside, she made 39 appearances in all competitions, establishing herself as a key figure in midfield with her technical quality, creativity and tireless work rate.
She now embarks on a fresh challenge in Italy’s Serie A Femminile, one of Europe’s most competitive women’s leagues.
Speaking to Inter’s official website, Payne expressed her excitement at joining one of Italy’s most prestigious clubs.
“I’m really excited to be signing for Inter. There’s so much history surrounding the club and I’m really happy to be a part of it,” she said.
The experienced midfielder, who has earned more than 20 caps for the Super Falcons since making her senior debut in 2021, believes the move comes at the perfect stage of her career.
“It means so much to me. I’m in a different phase of my career now and I’m really excited to be joining such a competitive league and a competitive team that are striving for great things.”
Payne, who is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or on either wing, is confident her pace, creativity and dribbling ability will enable her to make an immediate impact in Italian football.
“It’s a really competitive league. I think I have a couple of qualities that I can really demonstrate here, so I’m really excited to do that in the upcoming seasons.”
She also outlined the attributes she hopes will strengthen Inter’s attack.
“I have a lot of speed. I like to dribble, put in some crosses and I hope those qualities can really help Inter this season. I’m really excited to get started.”
Payne’s arrival is regarded as a significant boost for Inter Women as they seek to challenge for major honours in Serie A and compete strongly in European competitions.
Her experience in three of Europe’s top women’s leagues — Spain’s Liga F, England’s Women’s Super League and now Italy’s Serie A Femminile — is expected to add quality, versatility and leadership to the squad.
For Payne, the move to Milan represents another important milestone in an impressive career, offering the opportunity to test herself in a new environment while continuing to develop at the highest level.
Inter Women are expected to begin their Serie A Femminile campaign next month, with Payne likely to play a key role as the club targets a successful season.
The Super Falcons star also becomes the latest Nigerian international to ply her trade in Italy’s top flight, further strengthening Nigeria’s growing presence in European women’s football.
