Hussein Marhoon keeps on delivering great editorials for the readers of SempreInter.com:
Strong words from the Milano native who spent 11 years (from 1984 until 1995) as President of the Nerazzurri club. He continued: “I have nothing personal against Thohir. However, the situation saddens me because I hate to see my favorite club ending up in the hands of a foreigner”.
Then, the ex-President gave his thoughts on the ongoing negotiations between Massimo Moratti and Erick Thohir: “From what I see, it seems to me that the deal hasn’t been closed yet. If that’s really the case, I’m launching this appeal: I hope Moratti continues to be Inter’s President, but if he can’t do it anymore, why doesn’t he ask for help from an Italian businessman? It would also be better if that businessman is a Milanese or even much better if he is an Interista. I refuse to believe that there is no one. I’m ready to give him (Moratti) a hand, even though I’m unwilling to give any names (now). I know entrepreneurs who could probably join me to help Moratti. I hope they come out just like I’m doing right now. Football teams are not only about business, it also involves the passion of so many people. Inter, Milan and Juventus are clubs with glorious history, they’re properties of big families and big groups of supporters. Football team must be loved. I repeat, I have nothing against Thohir, but like any other foreigner he can’t say that he loves Inter. Perhaps his feelings could turn into love over time but today Inter is just an opportunity for him”.
A day later and through the same medium, Moratti responded to his predecessor with this: “Embarrassed (of what Pellegrini said)? No, in fact… I’m impressed. Those words by Ernesto (Pellegrini) was an act of immense love towards Inter. He is right: football teams should be loved, and I think I know something about it… but I’ve decided to look to the future”.
Then, the current President shed some light on why he wants to go forward with bringing in a new business partner: “The debts, the debts: you (journalists) always talk about it, but it’s a wrong perspective. Inter’s debts are similar to those of other big clubs, and it doesn’t bother me at all. I could easily continue alone, the problem is not debt; the real problem is revenues”.
Moratti continued: “Resources are needed for development. What I care about is the team’s future and this can’t be separated from expansion of the brand on the international market. You see, Italian football won abroad on the pitch but financially it played a homemade game and it lost. I also take my share of the blame. Today we find ourselves incapable of making a system, with old stadia, and without a format that can really attract worldwide interest. Creating a solid market base abroad is a slow, difficult and costly operation and competition is very tough. The entry of an Asian partner, for example, brings to you that fundamental market. It also forces you to change direction and managerial habits. In short, internationalizing the club values more than a treble…”.
After that the Inter Patron showed his affection of his beloved Inter and why he is going ahead with his plans: “Inter is like a daughter, a beautiful girl with extraordinary qualities. You give her everything to make her happy because it’s right thing to do and that’s how it should be. Then the time comes when you have to send her to college. Discipline and education are essential for her growth. Only then she will learn how to walk on her own…”.
Il Presidente has also explained further: “Inter have dramatically cut overhead costs and salaries but this is useless if revenue turnovers reduce. I repeat, it’s not a matter of survival, rather it’s the development issue and it must be resolved with intense innovation. Inter is worth much more than what it currently produces in terms of revenue turnovers. The brand should be enhanced on the international market level if we want to have a future in line with the club’s traditions”.
Moratti ended with this message to the Interisti tifosi: “I understand our fans, they are my first thought because Inter belong to those who love it. Believe me I’m doing it for them. Inter will become a club run in a modern manner and according to international standards. If needed, I will stay and give my contribution but please don’t mythologize my role”.
For an Interista who witnessed the days of Ernesto Pellegrini and who also lived through the ups and downs of Massimo Moratti era, I must say that the words of those two Presidents who have given a lot to my beloved club have only fueled my existing mixed feelings. I’m torn between what my heart feels (expressed by Pellegrini’s words) and what my mind thinks (expressed by Moratti’s words).
I know clearly that Moratti can no longer run the club on his own as he has already given it everything he could both emotionally and financially and that the club needs to change the way it conducts its business in order to keep its status intact in the football world. On the other hand, I’m scared of what the future holds for Inter if the club falls into the hands of a person who only sees it as a business opportunity…
I guess at this time I have nothing more to say… I’ll just leave you here with this…
