Former Inter President Ernesto Pellegrini discussed the Nerazzurri from his time in charge to the present day in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Milano based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I thank the Lord for what I have had in these 80 years that, however, I do not hear. I enjoy good health, I have a beautiful family, a daughter who has given me two wonderful grandchildren, a company that gives me satisfaction with 9,400 employees and in continuous development.”

He commented on how relevant the Nerazzurri has been to his life.

“Exactly half. I was co-opted into the Board of the late President Ivanoe Fraizzoli in 1980. After four years, I bought the entire stock and became, at the age of 43, the president of my favorite team.”

The 80-year-old Italian touched on what aspect of his presidency he’s most proud of.

“I have been defined as a ‘gentleman president’, but I like to emphasize honesty.”

Pellegrini spoke about something that he wouldn’t repeat.

“The sale of Matthäus, who was considered by some coaches to be on his way out, while he still played 4-5 years at very high levels. He has remained in my heart.”

The former Inter president commented on his relationship with former AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi.

“Excellent. I remember when I was in difficulty with Inter and he, the Prime Minister, wrote me a letter in his own handwriting that read, Dear Ernesto, how many troubles for everyone! Let’s go forward with courage, in the end who has heart wins! An affectionate embrace and…. Forza Inter.”

He could not give any advice to current president Steven Zhang.

“I don’t have any advice to give because I think Steven is a serious president, prepared and with great enthusiasm.”

Pellegrini discussed Inter’s failure to progress out of the Champions League group stage this season and if that’s coach Antonio Conte’s fault.

“He is a great coach. I allow myself, with the experience of my 80 years, to give him some advice, bring serenity, enthusiasm and many smiles into the locker room. I’ll tell you an anecdote.

“Guglielmo, my grandson who is 4 and a half years old, listening to a work conversation between my daughter and me about a game we didn’t win one day exclaimed, Grandpa, close your eyes, take a breath and smile. You’re going to win every game!”

He did not find similarities between Denis Bergkamp’s and Christian Eriksen’s situations at Inter.

“No, I don’t know his difficulties but I do know that Bergkamp was a champion who won us a UEFA Cup and then became the best player in the English league.”

The former Inter president couldn’t think of any great past players who are similar to Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku.

“No, Lukaku is Lukaku, a unique player, gritty, technically prepared, with a strong sense of goal. Then after every goal he looks at the sky and always makes the sign of the cross. I like him a lot.”

He thought that Inter had a better shot of winning the league title now that they’re not in Europe anymore.

“I think so. After all, even my Inter team, after a win in Germany, in Munich, were eliminated in the cup at San Siro but then won the Scudetto. Let’s hope that history repeats itself.”

Pellegrini had one player in mind to give to Conte for this current Inter squad.

“I have no doubt. Matthäus.”

He was not able to choose between AC Milan or Juventus for the league title, should Inter fail to win.

“I wish the best of luck to my friend Scaroni’s AC Milan and to Juventus, which allowed me to begin my career as a sports manager with the purchase of Villar Perosa. But I only support Inter.”

The former Inter president discussed which star he would like Inter to sign.

“Messi is too easy, I also like Mbappé a lot.”

Finally, Pellegrini spoke about if the next president of Inter will be Italian.

“My nephew Guglielmo was born on March 9, the day Inter was founded. Surely this is a sign of destiny?”