Erick Thohir excitedly began today’s press conference on the back of Inter’s new sponsorship deal with long term partners Pirelli: “Today is a very special day for me because it marks the official signing of the extension of our collaboration with our long-term partner Pirelli. Although we say we have been together for 20 years, it is actually 21 years! Yes, this season is the 21st season Inter and Pirelli together – as shirt partners, as partners in business and most importantly, as friends.”
“Our relationship has grown from sponsorship, to partnership and into a friendship. Ours is the longest shirt sponsorship deal in Italian Serie A and one of the longest in European club football, behind only a few other clubs, but certainly it is one of the most recognisable. Ours is a partnership that now, as ever, is based on the common values that we share. We are both Italian organisations with strong Milanese identity and roots. We are both international in terms of our history, our philosophy and our culture. And we are both progressive in terms of how we approach our business.”
“That Inter and Pirelli have agreed this extension for a further 5 years highlights the special relationship that exists between us, working together as partners on and off the pitch. It reminds me of the first time I saw Inter and I am especially pleased with the agreement as it allows me continue the tradition of the long-standing friendship that exists between Mr Moratti and Mr Tronchetti Provera. For that I wish to sincerely thank Mr Moratti, for entrusting me with the leadership of Inter, a club that is so close to his heart and his family. A club that won two European Cups in the 1960s under his father Angelo and famously the “tripletta” under his Presidency in 2010. Thank you Massimo.”
“And to Mr Tronchetti Provera, I would also like to say thank you. Thank you for continuing with your loyal support of Inter by extending our partnership. This is a deal that will benefit both parties. It is a deal that is based on performance – the better we do as a club and the further we progress in all competitions including European ones – the more visibility we give to the Pirelli brand and the more you ‘support’ us financially. I am confident of course that we will be very successful! I have spoken a lot about partnership, friendship and loyalty, but there is one aspect of a football club that is the most important to the fans. I speak of course about the players who wear the shirt. At Inter we are very fortunate over the years to have had exceptional players that have worn the shirt with pride and have remained loyal to the Club even after they have left.”
“But one that has remained as loyal as Pirelli, and indeed started his career at the same time is sat next to me now. I speak of course about ‘Il Capitano’, Javier Zanetti. A loyal and trusted leader on the pitch he now represents Inter off the pitch. I ask our Vice President to say a few words about this very special club and our partnership with Pirelli” Thohir concluded.
Source: FCInterNews.it