Leeds United President Andrea Radrizzani has revealed that he remains open to taking over Inter in the future, as he considers his long-term options.
The Milan-native bought Leeds from fellow Italian Massimo Cellino in 2017 and has overseen a upturn in fortunes with the Yorkshire club, guiding them from mid-table in the Championship to promotion and the top half of the Premier League this season.
In an interview published in today’s newspaper edition of La Repubblica, Radrizzani admitted that he was looking into the possibility of owning another European club, identifying Inter as a potential option.
“I’m looking at Italy, or another European country, yes. And this time I would like a great club,” the 46-year-old declared.
“There was nothing (in a deal for Inter), if that’s what you want to know. But an interest exists, let’s see how Suning’s plans evolve.
“On the other side, Elliott have improved the management of AC Milan, but as you say sooner or later he will sell . In Europe there are three clubs that have great potential for development: the two Milanese clubs and Atletico Madrid.
“For now, I want to remain here and enjoy Leeds. You know that in three years the number of academy players called up to the first team has gone from two to 16.”
Radrizzani has drawn widespread praise for his decision to hire former Argentina and Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa in 2018, with the tactician guiding Leeds to the Premier League last summer after a 16-year absence.
The President also revealed that prior to Bielsa, he had attempted to lure Inter coach Antonio Conte to Elland Road before he ultimately joined the Nerazzurri.
“After a first year of mistakes, in which I gambled on young coaches, I turned to Bielsa. The Championship has little difference between the top 10 clubs and a high-level coach can make all the difference.
“I had tried to entice Antonio Conte first with a promotion bonus of €20 million. When you reach the Premier League you bring in €200m so I could afford it, but he had immediate ambitions and the facts prove his choice of Inter was a good one.
“I was in the car with my sporting director, Victor Orta, when he told me that Bielsa would be the ideal candidate. I told him to call him on speaker phone but he did not answer or call back that evening.
“He called the next morning to discuss the strength of our squad. During the night he had watched 10 of our matches, including some from our academy. He wanted to be prepared,” Radrizzani added.