Although the transfer has yet to be officially confirmed by either Madrid or Inter, media reports in Spain suggest a deal has been finalised for the 25-year-old Dutchman to join the Italian champions for a fee of around €15 million.

Speaking to Marca about the seemingly imminent switch, Sneijder admits it is not easy to say goodbye to Madrid after two years at the Bernabeu but insists he is now looking forward to his new life at the San Siro.

"I'm going with my head high. I'm going to a great team, there's no doubt about that. I've been very happy here but now I have to look ahead and focus on my new team," said the former Ajax midfielder, who bid farewell to his Madrid team-mates at their Valdebebas training ground this morning.

"The truth is that I was very happy here, it's something I cannot deny. It makes me sad to go but that's the way it is. That's life. Now the only thing I can say is that I'm happy. I'm changing one great club for another great club."

Although Sneijder preferred not to talk too much about the circumstances surrounding his exit from Madrid, he admitted he found it odd that the club were willing to sell him even though coach Manuel Pellegrini appeared to want him to stay.

"What has happened with me is something very strange. The coach said he counted on me but there are people at the club who don't," said Sneijder, who admits to having been left with a bad taste in the mouth.

"They have treated me very badly but I prefer not to talk about it.

"I'm going to give everything there (Inter). Life and football move on."