Inter president Steven Zhang was among the speakers at today’s Financial Times Business of Football Summit which was held in London, England.

As part of his speech, Zhang reiterated his desire to protect public health over profits amid the ongoing Coronavirus epidemic in Italy.

Inter have had three of their last four scheduled matches postponed as a result and the other match of that quartet of games was played behind closed doors.

“When public health is at stake, no words are too much. I felt the decision to postpone the match against Juventus by a single day, from a moral point of view was completely wrong,” he is quoted as saying by FCInterNews.it.

“My words were harsh but it was to protect the fans. Anyone was able to see how the procedures implemented in China have been successful. I believe that safety and the protection of public health are the most important thing. There can be no compromises in this regard.

“We must always convey a positive message and take our responsibilities to people seriously because the impact of our decisions are global.”

He then went on to back the Italian government’s decision to order that all sporting events are played behind closed doors for the next month.

“The Italian government has made the right decision for the protection of public health. There will be economic repercussions, but right now they are not a priority, and they cannot influence decision making.”

Zhang then went on to discuss the upcoming Derby D’Italia between Juventus and Inter and the importance of the game to the whole of Italian football.

The game was supposed to be played this past weekend but was postponed and although not yet official, it would appear that the game is set to be played at some point this weekend with reports suggesting it will be played on Sunday night.

“I look forward to it with pride and impatience. It is an important game not only for the two clubs, but for all of Italian football.

“The great work carried out by Antonio Conte and the general improvement of the team means that the quality of this match has been raised and this is good for football.

“To be able to even compete with Juventus is a real source of pride. I do not think that this will be a decisive game in the title race but it is certainly a very important game for both teams.”

Zhang also discussed the new stadium plans that the Nerazzurri club have.

“We are honoured and fortunate to share the city with a club like AC Milan. Having both clubs play in the same stadium gives the stadium more energy and history, but what matters most is the experience the fans will get.

“If you go to a stadium where you don’t have great services, you are only damaging your brand and your experience. It has become so critical for us to change things and develop a project for a new San Siro.

“I believe it is action that must be taken. We hope to be able to launch the project and give a great experience for those who come to watch the games in the new stadium. Stadium in another area? The city council have been supportive so far, so it shouldn’t be a problem for us to stay.”

He also commented on the club’s history with Financial Fair Play.

“When we purchased the club it was under a strict settlement agreement, last year we came out of that and now work under the normal FFP rules.

“We are headed in the right direction which is that of sustainability and having an organisation to help the club grow in terms of business.”

Zhang also spoke on the club’s commitment to keep up with the modern world.

“Suning’s core business is the consumer business. We have evolved, we have gone from being an offline company to being online.

“We have more income, we are media broadcasters in China of the major football leagues. Ours is a path that aims to offer digital content that is interesting for the various types of audience, keeping in mind the different cultures and generations

“As far as Inter are concerned, the positioning of the Nerazzurri brand also passes through the work of the Inter Media House.

“We are on all platforms, to explore all the markets. We must be global and digital, because our sponsors want to reach international audiences, by appealing to the younger generations.

“Our work is very directed to tell our fans what happens beyond the 90 minutes of the game. The challenge is to make ourselves interesting even off the pitch.”

He also spoke on the issue of racism, an issue which has reared its ugly head on several occasions this season in Italian football alone.

“Education is the appropriate tool to combat this situation. We have the international word in the name of the club. We are united, whatever culture we come from, we are Brothers Universally United. Our campaigns aim to sensitise people, to convey the correct messages, starting from the youngest.”

Zhang also discussed player trading.

“Sporting results are central to us, which is why we have invested in great players. Our goal is to always compete at the highest level, to satisfy our fans. We invest, always following the FFP rules. We do it also from a commercial and marketing point of view, ours must be a global expansion.”