Massimo Moratti, once the revered president of Inter Milan, recently took to the media to share nostalgic reflections about his time at the helm and the current state of the club. Known for leading the team to remarkable success, including the 2010 Champions League win against Bayern Munich, Moratti's insights offer both wisdom and sentimentality as the Nerazzurri strive for European glory once again.
After more than a decade, Inter Milan is on the brink of returning to European finals but now seeks to conquer the Europa League, a title Italy has not hoisted since 2002 when the tournament was known as the UEFA Cup. Moratti drew parallels between the team's current semifinal excitement and the anticipation felt during their 2010 Champions League campaign, stating, "There is a waiting period similar to the match against Bayern: even then, there were many more fears about the semifinal outcome. Winning this way gives incredible energy; these matches lead to significant shifts in mentality." He shared his thoughts during his interview published by 'La Repubblica'.
Reflecting on current players, Moratti expressed confidence in the club's attacking duo, Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martínez. Initially, Lukaku raised doubts among fans, yet Moratti noted, "He has proven to be an intelligent player who knows how to play for the team." On Lautaro, he was particularly enthusiastic, stating, "He does extraordinary things and has enormous potential." Such praise emphasizes not just Moratti's optimism for the upcoming Europa League but also indicates his desire to see the team succeed and perhaps echo past triumphs.
Discussions have also swirled around the continued tenure of current head coach Antonio Conte. While opinions about Conte's personality vary, Moratti affirmed his faith in the coach’s capabilities: “How can anyone doubt him? He is just brilliant. They say he’s unfriendly? Well, coaches never tend to be overly charming. What matters is the relationship with the president.” His confidence reflects how far the club has come operationally since his presidency.
Interestingly, Moratti revealed some candid moments from his time managing the club. During his interview with 'Quotidiano Sportivo', he humorously recounted promises made to his wife, Milly, to refrain from purchasing the club. He mentioned, "I had promised Milly I wouldn’t do it. She preferred to allocate funds to charity. But the passion was stronger. When news broke, my wife said we should focus on helping those in need. I retorted: ‘Don’t you know any group suffering more than Inter fans?'" This humorous exchange paints a picture of Moratti’s deep ties to the club and his personal life influences.
Despite stepping back from ownership, his heart remains with Inter. He remarked, “I have never regretted selling the club... at least not so far. But funny enough, my wife regrets it. If it were up to her, I should buy back Inter right now.” His wife’s sentiments symbolize the enduring affection many fans hold for the Moratti family’s stewardship of the club.
Moratti’s return to the spotlight ignites dreams among fans of reviving his legacy at Inter. There’s undeniable nostalgia for his era, which was marked by substantial achievements and passionate ownership. The current ownership under Oaktree has ushered in significant changes reflective of the broader trends across football, with increasing American influence and business-oriented strategies leading the charge.
“It’s changed the world,” Moratti observed, acknowledging the shift away from benefactor models to more corporate approaches. He recalls how he noticed the changing tides during his own presidency, when he sold the club amid the globalizing forces reshaping football finances. “I was one of the first to sell internationally when I transferred the club to Thohir. I understood the resounding impacts of costs and capital globalization. It has been nearly impossible to resist.”
Nevertheless, amid these changes, he remains optimistic about the direction of the club and the managerial decisions currently guiding Inter. He finds solace knowing the team is currently fielding strong performances, with hopes of success echoing from his tenure. While the club may navigate turbulent waters of ownership and investments, Moratti’s narrative serves as both remembrance and hopefulness for Inter's future.
Looking forward, Moratti emphasizes the need for the club to adapt strategically to the shifting dynamics of global football. His insights suggest the necessity for Inter to maintain its identity and local connection amid broader corporate interests. He expressed faith, stating, “More than money, algorithms, and funds, it is the people who count.” This underlying belief reflects Moratti's commitment not only to Inter Milan but to the spirit of Italian football as well.
While the team gears up for the challenges of the Europa League, the echoes of Moratti’s era resonate through the corridors of San Siro. During his time, the interaction between the management and fans was personal and passionate, elements many eagerly hope can still exist amid the financial intricacies of modern football.
Whether Moratti will reclaim his place within the club or remain solely as a supporter is yet to be seen. Inter fans will undoubtedly keep hopeful as they watch their team on the European stage, driven by the legacies left by past heroes, from Moratti to the present.
