Former Inter president and owner Massimo Moratti believes that Sevilla’s winning tradition in the Europa League made a real difference in Friday night’s Europa League final, which they beat Inter in.
“Inter came into this decisive event very well, always playing safe and beating very difficult opponents, but Sevilla have a great tradition in European competitions,” he told Spanish news outlet AS.
“This, in football, makes the difference. Lopetegui’s team is a team that works very well, for me they were one of the favourites due to everything they had achieved as a team in the last few years in the Europa League.”
Next he spoke on how much it means to win the Europa League these days.
“It means a lot. Beyond the joy it generates, it gives players the feeling of being members of a club capable of winning. It is also a great boost for the next season.”
He then spoke briefly on Inter manager Antonio Conte’s first season in charge and the former Italian national team manager’s uncertain future.
“In these cases, it all depends on your relationship with the president, but his skills cannot be questioned. He has done a lot well this season, he achieved excellent results.”
Moratti then sang the praises of Inter striker Romelu Lukaku and also discussed whyhe thinks Christian Eriksen had such little space upon his arrival back in January.
“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting such important performances from Lukaku. He proved to be an intelligent guy, who has adapted very well to Italian football, exceeding all expectations. I like him.
“Eriksen? The Dane has huge class, maybe he will needs time to adapt to Serie A. He has improved a lot in recent months, you have to be patient.”
Next Moratti spoke on Inter striker Lautaro Martinez and the media reports which have long linked him with making a possible move to Barcelona.
“The Argentine has incredible potential, he is a real talent. Now he shows very good things, but he will explode even more. Should he be kept at all costs? I don’t know.”
Next he spoke on the famous exchange which saw Inter and Barcelona swap Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Summer of 2009 and whether a swap between the clubs could happen again.
“The exchange we did with Barcelona was favorable from all points of view. We separated from an exceptional player as Ibrahimovic was and is, but the deal had fantastic conditions for Inter.
“It depends on how Lautaro would be replaced. We had Ibrahimovic and we exchanged him with Eto’o. Would I take Luis Suarez? Eto’o was not 33-years-old but the Uruguayan is fantastic. He is intelligent and technically very strong.”
In conclusion he was asked about ongoing media speculation linking Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi with a potential switch to Inter.
“I would imagine that Inter have already tried. I saw that Suning advert with Messi’s silhouette on the Duomo and that make me think that perhaps they have already attempted to get him. And if that wasn’t the case, I think they will try very soon.”
“It is not a simple deal economically, that much is clear but the biggest obstacle is Messi’s will. We need to understand if he really wants to leave Barca. Obviously, I cannot know that.”