Inter CEO Alessandro Antonello spoke with Corriere della Sera on a number of Inter related topics, firstly the difficulties Inter have faced in the transfer market.
“The strategy has been clear since July; return to the Champions League while in compliance with Financial Fair Play. We have to balance the technical and economic aspects. The growth must be organic from a commercial point of view, to achieve a “de-seasonalisation” of results. Our return to the Champions League will produce a large economic return and push the Inter brand.”
“We have never been completely cut off and Suning has never been on any black-list but there has been a slowdown, due to the Chinese government imposing restrictions to defend its currency, which means more control and a slowdown is inevitable. Suning is doing everything necessary to bring Inter back up.”
Antonello then spoke on how Inter have managed to succeed in the Chinese market while many others have failed.
“Suning makes $53 billion a year, it has 250 million people registered online and Inter can use this base to grow organically as the Chinese Football market matures.”
Antonello then spoke on Financial Fair Play and the bank bond taken out last month.
“Let’s clarify: there will always be Financial Fair Play, the club must maintain balance. UEFA continues to impose it in different ways, to limit the attraction of investing completely new capital.
“The bond was a complete success, we managed to raise that figure at a rate of 4.8%, which shows solidarity and credibility, the demand was double. Inter must learn to use its own legs, the bond is what any entrepreneur would have done. If the market believes in you, it will reward you. It’s not right to always rely on ownership.”
He then discussed the renovation plans for San Siro and plans for a new training ground at Piazza d’Armi.
“It has to be in operation everyday, not just Sunday’s, the hospitality areas have to increase from 4% to 14% and the capacity should go down to 60 thousand. The total cost would roughly be around €150 million.”
“We are still in the preliminary stages but the concept remains. A new Sports Centre is a strategic project, every big club has a modern facility.”
He concluded the interview by speaking on Inter owner Jindong Zhang.
“He has a great personality, leadership and strength, he always wants to raise the bar, he pushes you to dream about flying high. The Zhang family will no doubt fit amongst the great dynasties of the Nerazzurri, like the Moratti’s, there is a sense of continuity.”
