Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is happy to see Beppe Marotta named as the Nerazzurri’s new President.
The Turk reacted to the appointment of the 67-year-old as the Nerazzurri’s new club President while speaking to Italian broadcaster RAI Sport, via FCInterNews, after yesterday’s friendly against Italy.
Marotta is the new President of Inter.
The veteran former Juventus and Sampdoria executive has replaced Steven Zhang in the role.
This title is a mark of honour and respect for Marotta.
However, it does not mean that the 67-year-old is necessarily going to be any more important or influential behind the scenes at Inter.
On the contrary. Marotta has always been a figurehead at the Nerazzurri since his arrival.
The CEO of Sport has been the architect of Inter’s transfer strategy. In some ways, he has built the current squad in his image.
Part of that has meant taking advantage of free transfers in order to strengthen the team.
And there have been few free transfer signings that Marotta has pulled off that have been as high-profile as that of Calhanoglu.
Hakan Calhanoglu Happy Beppe Marotta Named Inter President
In the summer of 2021, Calhanoglu chose to join Inter.
The Turk rejected the offer of a contract extension from his former club AC Milan.
Calhanoglu also certainly had other suitors that summer, being available on a free transfer.
The move from the Rossoneri to the Nerazzurri was certainly a controversial one, as all transfers across the Milan derby divide are.
But it would be hard to say that the move did not work out well for Calhanoglu.
The 30-year-old has become a key player in the Inter midfield on the way to the Serie A title. He has found the best form of his career playing as a regista under Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi.
And Calhanoglu owes some of that to Marotta’s penchant for spotting free transfer opportunities.
“I’ve already sent a message in the group chat about it,” Calhanoglu said of Marotta being named Inter President.
“We’re happy,” he continued.
“Marotta is always important to us,” Calhanoglu went on. “For the club, for the team.”
“He’s done great things here. And we’re certainly happy.”
Meanwhile, Calhanoglu also gave his thoughts on facing his Inter teammates in yesterday’s friendly match.
“It’s always great to see my teammates again,” the Inter midfielder said.
“I’m very sorry about Barella,” he added. “Who picked up an injury.”
“We hope that he recovers quickly, because Italy needs him. He’s a great player, and very important for them.”
“I know him well,” Calhanoglu said of Barella.
