Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta has weighed in on the controversial situation surrounding Roma and former Nerazzurri striker Romelu Lukaku.
The Nerazzurri executive spoke at the Trento Festival of Sport, via FCInterNews. He answered questions about the Belgian international as well as other topics related to Inter.
By now, the situation between Inter and Lukaku is well known.
The 30-year-old soured his relationship with his old club the Nerazzurri during the summer.
The exact circumstances that led to this acrimonious split are not entirely clear.
But what seems certain is that Inter were angered by the fact that Lukaku had been negotiating with Juventus behind their back.
And that the Nerazzurri abruptly pulled the plug on talks to sign the Belgian on a permanent basis from Chelsea.
In the end, Lukaku ended up joining Roma in the last couple days of the summer transfer window.
But it’s anything but straightforward what all this means for both parties.
Marotta: ‘Don’t Understand Why Romelu Lukaku Wants To Creat Controversy
Inter CEO Marotta said of the whole situation with Lukaku that “For people like me who have experienced all sorts of situations, there’s nothing to be afraid if.”
“In football, the God of money reigns supreme,” he continued. “But now all that’s in the past.”
“When you have a relationship based on trust, it can turn into mistrust,” the Inter executive added. “But also disappointment as well.”
“It’s part of sport, a rich sport where money is king.”
“Lukaku is part of our recent past,” Marotta said. “I look to the future, which is the most important thing.”
In response to Lukaku’s assertion that if he were to reveal the truth of what happened with Inter it would “shock” fans Marotta said that “He’s free to say what he wants.”
“But I don’t understand why he says things like that,” he added.
As to whether Lukaku being on the bench in the Champions League final could’ve been a factor, Marotta replied “I don’t think so,.”
“Inter’s decision to bring him in doesn’t just depend on one single incident. It’s based on a whole relationship of gratitude and respect.”
“I don’t see why he should create controversy,” the CEO added.
Regarding the possibility of a negative reaction to Lukaku from fans at the San Siro when Roma visit, Marotta was circumspect.
“II’ve heard about the plan with 50,000 whistles,” he said.
“Let’s try to be happy living in the present,” he continued. “Concentrate on our strengths.”
“This can create distractions at a time when supporting the team is the most important thing,” the Nerazzurri CEO added.
“But the fans pay for their tickets. And they have the right to criticize what they see happening.”
As to whether he would take Lukaku or Mauro Icardi at the moment, Marotta replied that “Based on recent incidents, I’d have to say Icardi.”
Inter In A Positive Period, Serie A Title The Goal
Marotta also reflected on how Inter’s season is currently going, and on the team’s goals.
Of the kind of form that the Nerazzurri are in, the CEO said that “”It’s positive.”
“Because we’re continuing a cycle that began a few years ago, we’re more aware of what we’re capable of,” he added.
“We can say that we’re capable of being on the biggest stage, as befitting our history,” Marotta went on.
“We used to say Pazza Inter to underline the fluctuating moments in form,” Marotta said.
“But in modern seasons, there’s such a compression of fixtures, between clubs and national teams,” he added. “Therefore, it’s possible for the tension to drop a bit. And we have to manage those drops in the best way possible.”
“We’re highly competitive in the fight for the Serie A title,” Marotta said.
“And then it’s clear that winning the Champions League would be a hugely emotional and joyous occasions for Inter fans – let’s not forget 2010.”
“We know that it’s tough, but we have to remember – the Serie A title is won by whoever finishes first. It’s a straight race for the title.”
“On the other hand there are other contributing factors in the Champions League,” the Inter executive added. “The strongest team doesn’t always win.”
“You can face a team going through a particular moment, with some players out injured, or a team that’s within your reach.”
“It can be said that it’s easier to win the Champions League than the league, where the best team always wins. So I’d say I’d rather win the league.”
Marotta On His Arrival At Inter In 2018
Marotta also spoke about his joining Inter in December of 2018.
“I’ll never forget that,” the executive said.
“In sport we go through cycles,” he said. “When one closes it has a psychological effect.”
“Once my experience with Juventus was over, the next morning I received a message from Steven Zhang,” Marotta explained.
“I imagined it was a joke because I didn’t I have his number,” he noted. “Then I called Urbano Cairo, considering their friendship, and asked for clarification.”
“After he confirmed that it was serious, there was a back-and-forth that gave me the opportunity to get back to work right away,” Marotta said.
On Onana, Thuram, Frattesi & Scamacca
Marotta also gave his thoughts on some summer transfer situations.
As far as whether a return to Inter for current Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana would be possible, the Nerazzurri CEO said that “I can’t see the future.
“But everything is on the table in football,” he added.
“However, players who come back sometimes perform well. Sometimes not so much.”
“It was certainly an important experience for him, and for us, not least what the signing meant on a financial level.
As far as Inter beating AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain to the signing of Marcus Thuram in the summer, Marotta said that “The important decision was that of the player.”
“He took the lead role in deciding to come to Inter despite other offers.”
“That’s significant because the sense that he belonged here was decisive. He considered the values of the club, and the playing time he could get.”
“And his father also had an influence,” Marotta noted, of Lilian Thuram.
“But it’s not just Thuram, there are other cases,” he continued. “Inter has become an attractive destination again.”
“We’ve received many offers from many players, not just Italian ones. It shows that we’re trying to return to the Inter of the past.”
As far as his own role in signing midfielder Davide Frattesi from Sassuolo, Marotta said that “The advantage that I brought was my relationship with [Sassuolo CEO] Giovanni Carenvali.”
“But then the actual assessment came from our technical staff,” he continued.
“And then the decision to make himself available to us came from the player himself,” Marotta added.
“Then the ownership gave the green light to invest, and we got the deal done. There are many moving parts, even the wives and girlfriends of the players.”
And as far as Inter’s failure to sign Gianluca Scamacca in the summer, Marotta noted that “We began negotiations.”
“But then he chose Atalanta, perhaps because he thought he could get more playing time. And that’s when we withdrew.”
