Inter Milan President Steven Zhang called the squad today to give a message of support ahead of this evening’s crucial Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
At the moment, Inter President Zhang remains in China.
The Nerazzurri President has not yet returned to Italy or Europe since the start of the season. He is attending to other matters, including Inter’s future off the pitch.
Zhang had followed the team through much of the run-in of last season, including their run to the final of the Champions League.
But this time around, Zhang has not attended any matches in person. He has followed Inter’s campaign from a television screen.
However, that does not mean that Zhang has not made his present felt within the Inter dressing room.
Steven Zhang Calls Inter Squad Ahead Of Atletico Madrid Clash
According to the Gazzetta, there was a call between Zhang and the Inter players.
There, the President conveyed his pride in what the team have already done this season. That of course includes reaching the Champions League round of sixteen for a third successive season, and giving themselves an advantage in their round of sixteen tie.
Zhang imparted the significance of what making it through to the quarterfinals would mean for the club.
But the President did not put too much pressure on the players.
The theme of the talk from Zhang was pride that the team’s dreams remain alive this season.
The Inter President also spoke about how happy he is to see the spirit of the team that reached the Champions League final last season alive and well despite a raft of changes to the team last summer.
Meanwhile, the Gazzetta report, Zhang also expressed his pride in midfielder Nicolo Barella over the classy gesture of an apology over the manner in which he won a penalty against Genoa.
