Former Inter President Massimo Moratti congratulated the club after they were crowned champions today, whilst admitting that he was able to enjoy the moment as a fan.
Moratti was at the helm the last time Inter had won the Scudetto, in 2010, and witnessed the Nerazzurri earn their 19th league title today, after Atalanta were held to a 1-1 draw against Sassuolo.
In an interview with La Repubblica, Moratti took the opportunity to praise Antonio Conte’s side and felt the current team reminded him most of the side that won the Scudetto under his presidency with Roberto Mancini as coach in 2006-07.
“I am very happy, it is a wonderful emotion. Without being the President anymore, I experienced this run in to the title with more freedom,” Moratti claimed.
“The only superstition I allowed myself was not responding to journalists in the last few days.
“I would say that this is closest to that of 2007, which we won with a huge advantage and setting all possible records. For the others, we have always had to fight until the end, both with Mancini and with [Jose] Mourinho.”
Moratti picked out the key protagonists in the Nerazzurri’s title charge, with Conte and a handful of players earning the most credit.
“Antonio Conte did an exceptional job. The management supported him. Then I would like to mention all the players, but having to choose I say Romelu Lukaku, Nicolo Barella and Achraf Hakimi, who did incredible things in the first half of the year.
“[Christian] Eriksen was a nice surprise of this second part of the season. Handanovic was very good, the fans should forgive the few small mistakes he made, which are offset by exceptional performances in the matches that matter.”
The 75-year-old revealed how he would celebrate Inter’s success, including responding to numerous messages from Nerazzurri fans after superstition had prevented him from doing so earlier.
“I will wear an Inter shirt. I have several, I just have to choose one. At the end of my career, many of my players gave me some beautiful and important ones. But I will not say which I’ll choose, I don’t want to upset anyone.
“I’ll go into the city in the evening, maybe I’ll take a ride. I’ll open a bottle of champagne with someone close to me, certainly. Finally, I will call back all the Inter fans who have been looking for me in the last few days, to whom I have been careful not to respond.”
Moratti revealed that he had been in touch with current President Steven Zhang to congratulate him on his Scudetto success and was positive in his assessment of the Suning man.
“We exchanged several messages and I congratulated him on the work he is doing. He wrote to me that he wants to meet me in the next few days, and I will gladly do it.
“I like him very much, as I like his father. I really hope that Inter will remain with their family for a long time to come. Obviously, with Conte on the bench.”
Inter’s last Scudetto win came under the leadership of Mourinho, who revealed that he would not hesitate to take on one of the Nerazzurri’s rivals if he returned to Italy. However, Moratti insisted that it was not an issue and a natural part of a coach’s career.
“Coaches are like that, and you don’t have to take it personally. We will always love Mourinho, whatever choice he makes. Should he return to Italy it would be a good thing, he would be able to entertain, interest and stimulate the whole world of football, as he has done everywhere. I wish him all the best,” Moratti concluded.
