Before being awarded the best sporting director of the year award by the Italian lawyers association, Piero Ausilio, Inter’s sporting director, spoke to the present reporters. “It’s a pleasure to win this because it comes from my professional peers, I became a senior expert of FFP. I appreciated the work of these years, I’m happy, it’s a prize that goes to my whole team.”
What can you tell us about Icardi’s Renewal?
“For our part there is consistency with what we have always said: we are happy with Icardi, it is overwhelming what he brings on the field as captain. He is a guy who takes on his responsibilities, just look at how he takes the penalties: Nothing else matters: everything else counts for nothing: there is an office where I am always available, even for Icardi’s agent who knows very well where she can find me. The last contract was signed two years ago, the one we offered two months ago he did not accept it at the moment, but this does not mean that we can not go forward, on the contrary: I repeat that on our part there is the aim to arrive at the extension and adaptation of the contract. I do not discuss such matters on social media, but only in official offices; I’m available completely, now there is also Marotta.”
Was the offer between Icardi and Juve true?
“I reply with a laugh and no comment since we talk about something that is better not to talk about at Christmas.”
Were you surprised about Mourinho? Could he return?
“I was surprised because he’s a great manager, we’re all tied to the results, I do not know the reasons behind the dismissal. The esteem for Mourinho is ever present, but it does not mean anything for Inter at the moment: we have a great coach and we are building the future with him. We continue with him.”
January market?
“Great things are not planned, we think we have a competitive squad for our goals … Let’s see what Inter was asked at the beginning of the year, consolidating the position in the Champions League, maybe not at the last minute. I do not see where the problem is, it is not good for Inter to be compared with the teams behind them. We have missed the Champions League, but it was a very difficult target from the beginning: Tottenham and Barcelona have more experience. We have tried and we have almost succeeded: it does not mean failure, but that we will try again next year. Now we must focus on the Europa League, and we will try to give it our best.”
After the Settlement Agreement, will this summer be a different market?
“As in the last few years, it’s impossible: The settlement agreement is very different from FFP, which does not mean buying what you want: we have to respect the rules that we have decided to sign with Uefa. The principle is simple, you can only spend what you earn. We have to increase revenues, even with capital gains and sponsorships, but the costs must be limited. Having said that it does not mean that we can not make important signings.”
Do you feel like saying ‘never Icardi to Juve’ and renewed contract?
“I can say it without the slightest problem because you have been pulled in. You know these are false rumours. On the renewal, the absolute will is to continue in the discussions.”
Will Gabigol leave?
“In the meantime he comes back, we talked with him: I let him know that there is no space in the team, we are happy with what he did in Brazil and there are teams that are becoming interested in him, both in Brazil and in Europe, this will be the best solution for everyone.”
