The 29-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid where he would be reunited with former Inter boss Jose Mourinho.

But Moratti told reporters: "I have taken the player off the transfer list.

"Other clubs have been after Maicon and other players, but I consider him such a strong player that I don't want to sell him. The player's attitude in this period was fundamental."

On the future of striker Mario Balotelli, who looks to be close to a move to Manchester City, Moratti said: "There are no big steps. We will see."

And the president revealed Inter might not need to make any new signings, with Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano out of their price range at the moment.

He said: "We're happy with the youngsters. So we can stay calm. Mascherano for 30 million (euros)? It's not possible at this price because we haven't sold anyone. The same goes for (Genoa's Giuseppe) Sculli. If we don't sell, we won't buy."

Moratti also claimed he has been impressed by new coach Rafael Benitez so far, comparing him to Mourinho.

"Benitez is working very seriously," he said.

"There are many similar aspects, like their professionalism, the attention to small details. So I think we can win, and if we do, they will be his victories.

"He (Mourinho) said we might see each other (in the 2010-11 Champions League final) at Wembley. I know he is fond of Inter, and we are very fond of him. But now there is a person who is trying to win over the fans and the club, and he is Benitez. He is doing it professionally and in good faith, so we are all happy."