Inter and Suning Holdings Group held a press conference at 15:00, Chinese local time to announce the sale of 68.55% of Inter shares to Suning Holdings Group. Zhang Jindong, Suning chairman, said: “The Suning Group entered the world of football less than a year ago and now we have become a partner in a glorious club such as Inter. It’s a huge responsibility and we thank president Thohir for having chosen us from the many potential partners. Football in China is growing exponentially, so the decision to acquire Inter is one of great strategic importance. Ours is an international business and soon our brand will grow in Europe too. Many wonderful players have worn the Nerazzurri jersey and Inter are one of the biggest clubs in Italy and Europe. We want to rebuild the glorious past, following on from the work done by Massimo Moratti and president Erick Thohir to take Inter back to the top”.
Former majority shareholder Erick Thohir added: “I am honoured to stand here before you, in Nanjing, at the start of what I am sure will be a successful partnership between Suning Holdings Group and Inter Milano. As we have just heard, the strategy of Suning in the area of sports is a serious one and part of a much wider global strategy for the company. Sport and football especially is taking a firm hold in China. China is looking to embrace and develop the game both at home and abroad. We at Inter Milano are very proud that you have decided to invest in and grow the club. To compete, both on and off the pitch, a big and prestigious club such as Inter Milano needs the support of a global player in order to reach our objectives. This is necessary to continue building the off-field business and provide the necessary means to invest in infrastructure, youth and, of course, the team on the field in order to win trophies”.
Source: FCInterNews.it
