The Brazilian forward, better known as Gabigol, is now back at Santos and enjoying a productive period in front of goal. His current numbers are a stark contrast to his brief time in Italian football, where he struggled to make an impact after arriving with considerable expectations.
In an interview with Globo Esporte, the 30-year-old looked back on the decision to join Inter Milan, explaining that the financial offer and the opportunity to experience European football were difficult to turn down.
“They made me an irresistible offer. I also wanted to play in Europe. Then things did not go as expected,” he said.
Inter signed Barbosa for close to €30 million, hoping that the highly rated Brazilian would become an important part of their attack. However, his time at the club never developed as anticipated.
He managed just 184 minutes of first-team football and scored once, failing to establish himself in the side despite arriving with a strong reputation following his performances in Brazil.
The Nerazzurri subsequently sent him out on loan, with spells at Benfica, Santos and Flamengo before the Brazilian club eventually secured his permanent transfer in 2020 for a reported €17.5 million.
Barbosa's career has since taken a very different direction in his homeland. After rediscovering his scoring touch at Flamengo, he returned to Santos and has continued to produce goals.
He has registered 25 goals in 49 appearances this season, underlining the contrast between his performances in Brazil and the difficulties he experienced in Europe.
His Inter spell remains a short but significant chapter in a career that began with enormous expectations. The move was intended to provide a platform for him to establish himself at the highest level, but the opportunity never developed into the success either player or club had anticipated.
Now back in Brazil, Gabigol appears to have found a more comfortable environment in which to express himself.