Inter Corporate CEO Alessandro Antonello has defended the record of current Nerazzurri owners Suning at the club, from the investment that they have made to the success of their fan outreach to younger generations.
Speaking to Italian news outlet TuttoMercatoWeb outside of an event at Bocconi University in Milan, the Nerazzurri executive gave his thoughts on what the Chinese company’s ownership has meant for the business model at the club.
Suning’s ownership of Inter has certainly had its ups and downs, ranging from guiding the team to major trophies that had not been won in over a decade, to financial uncertainty and forced big sales amid mounting debt.
Particularly after the start of the pandemic, the financial issues have loomed large over the Nerazzurri, also contributing to the persistent rumours that the Chinese company could be forced into making a sale of the club.
The likes of Bahrain-based fund InvestCorp and current Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani have been among the potential buyers linked.
However, for all of the criticism that the Nerazzurri owners have faced for the financial restrictions that have been placed in recent seasons, Antonello has also highlighted the more positive side of what they have brought to the club both on and off the pitch.
Speaking about the importance of international investment in football, Antonello explained that “We’re an example, [having an international investor] has given stability to the business project and has implemented a clear strategy.”
“The dimension has changed, from domestic to global,” he continued.
“There have been cultural intersections, we’re now a global company which, however, must also remain at a local level.”
“From the patronage of the Moratti family, we have moved on to the current owners, which has made major investments in the team, whilst the core business has also changed, as the club is now more of an entertainment company.”
“They’ve taken us on an important path by turning a global icon in football into a lifestyle brand linked with design and innovation,” he continued.
Antonello noted that “Our President Zhang, the youngest in the history of the club, has brought new generations of fans closer to us.”
