The Nerazzurri are locked in negotiations with a wealthy investor as they bid to tap into new revenue streams and compete with Europe’s biggest spenders
Massimo Moratti is set to sell a 70 percent stake in Inter to Indonesian business magnate Erick Thohir for a reported €300 million.
The Nerazzurri president has been locked in talks as the club looks to tap into new revenue streams and compete with the financial might of some of Europe’s most powerful sides.
The development comes in spite of former president Ernesto Pellegrini’s warning that ‘the Indonesian is only interested in business’, but Moratti is adamant the sale will open new markets to the San Siro outfit.
“I am acting in the interest of fans. Inter can then be managed in a new, modern way. This is not about the club’s survival, but a matter of innovation,” Moratti said to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Inter have to make create a greater brand image across the world if it is to have a future that is as strong as its past. Nostalgia is behind us, and I am looking to the future.”
Moratti then explained his belief that Italian football is paying for a serious financial mismanagement in previous years and will struggle to be a force again unless action is taken.
“For years Italian football won in Europe, but never paid attention beyond home turf in terms of finances, so we lost,” the 68-year-old added.
“People mention debts, but the real issue is revenue. These are necessary resources and I am worried for the future of this club. An Asian club is fundamental to bring in new markets.
“It changes nostalgic habits and heralds new resources internationally, even more so than winning the treble [as former coach Jose Mourinho did in 2010].”
Since Mourinho’s historic achievements, Inter have languished in mid-table, finishing sixth and ninth in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
Former Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri has been installed in Andrea Stramaccioni’s place this season to restore the Milan giants back to the Champions League next term.