Former Inter President Massimo Moratti suggested that the club’s involvement in the Super League could have repercussions in Europe.
The Nerazzurri were amongst 12 clubs from Italy, England, and Spain to sign up to a breakaway league last month, only for it to fall apart within days as they, along with eight others, pulled out following widespread backlash.
In an interview published in today’s newspaper edition of Quotidiano Nazionale, Moratti offered his thoughts on the impact of Inter’s involvement in the Super League, as well as current President Steven Zhang’s request that players take a wage cut.
“I would say that Inter entered secretly and exited secretly. I think it was a test of superficiality as in 24 hours it proved to be a great failure. In Italy the apology has brought the matter to a close, but in Europe I don’t know,” Moratti claimed.
“Not being able to enjoy the best moments is precisely in Inter’s DNA, because there is always something. But this is Inter, the fans know it and know how to endure it. Maybe they would like some traditional reference points, it’s strange to see shirts that don’t have stripes and our colours.
“Zhang did not do it on purpose. He was in China and it was impossible to return. It was expected that he would not return to Italy only with suitcases full of money but also to resolve the situation.
“The Scudetto also came thanks to Zhang, he chose Conte and made important investments. Maybe he was hoping for the Super League and instead now he has the most unpleasant part, seeing the reality and explaining that things are not going so well.
“I’m afraid there will be downsizing, starting with the transfer market. The current group should be retained, because from a psychological, physical and technical point of view this team has value.”
Having ended Juventus’ nine-year domination of the Scudetto, Inter face the Bianconeri in Serie A today and Moratti expects an interesting encounter.
“I would like the celebrations of Inter last indefinitely, and luckily we fans can still enjoy them seeing some good matches even now. It’s a good demonstration of responsibility as the team continues to play with great determination.
“For Juve, the match is important, but I am sure that despite having won the title, Inter will want to honour the Derby d’Italia. It’s not in Conte’s character to want to make the Bianconeri happy.
“I hope it will be a wonderful match and that Inter will provide a great gift to me and to the fans as well. If you win a lot it like [Juventus President Andrea] Agnelli, mistakes can still happen. It is also possible that everything is due to thinking that they are strong that they are able to afford a very intelligent but inexperienced coach like [Andrea] Pirlo.
“But Andrea has his feet on the ground, and will do it again. Juve will restart with him and will return to being the protagonist and very dangerous opponent for Inter.
“I can only hope that Conte has the necessary patience to maintain the spirit of belonging shown on the pitch, so that all this makes him decide to stay. Antonio has shown that he cares for Inter, the fans are proud of him.”
Next season will see the return of Nerazzurri icon Jose Mourinho to Serie A, with the treble-winning coach set to take over at Roma.
“Inter vs Roma will be beautiful. For me it is not a betrayal, Roma is a smart choice, I would have been sorry to see Jose with Milan or Juve. I hope he regretted leaving Inter so quickly!” Moratti concluded.
