Legendary former Inter midfielder Nicola Berti has stated that he empathizes with fans who are strongly unhappy with the Nerazzurri ownership over the situation with Romelu Lukaku.
Speaking to Italian news outlet Calciotoday.it, the 54-year-old expressed solidarity with other supporters who feel that the club is making the wrong decision in accepting an offer for the Belgians striker.
For the former midfielder, keeping Lukaku is a matter of principle, relating to the club’s prestige, history, and reputation, and even though the financial situation at the club is problematic, there is still no excuse for allowing the player to leave.
“It’s a difficult situation,” he said, “Last year Lukaku made history at Inter and it would be very difficult to see him leave. The €130 million offer? A club like Inter shouldn’t entertain certain offers. Inter is Inter.”
“I would never sell Lukaku,” he continued, “and I understand the anger of the fans. They said they only would only sell Hakimi, and that was fine.
“However, now if they also sell Lukaku it becomes more complicated,” continuing that on a sale of the club “They are trying.”
Berti continued by placing his trust in two key figures at the club, CEO Beppe Marotta, and he expressed a hope that the pair would remain and would be around to guide the club through the difficult period in which it finds itself.
“I hope that Marotta and Ausilio will not leave the club,” he stated, “otherwise who will take their place? I can also apply, I will go to work for the club. I am President and Sporting Director.
“If Lukaku leaves, the solutions are always there anyway. For example, I like Zapata very much.”