Soccer: Moratti signs over control of Inter
(By Paul Virgo) (ANSA) – Milan, October 15 – Inter Milan chairman Massimo Moratti said Tuesday that he has signed a deal to sell a majority stake in the Serie A giants to a consortium led by Indonesian media and entertainment magnate Erik Thohir. “We have signed with Thohir,” Moratti told reporters after weeks a talks to finalise the deal. International Sports Capital (ISC), a company indirectly owned by Thohir and two other prominent Indonesian businessmen, Rosan Roeslani and Handy Soetedjo, will take up a 70% stake in the three-time European champions via a capital increase.
Many Inter fans are unhappy about the end to the double ‘Moratti eras’ of oilmen Angelo, who bankrolled the ‘Great Inter’ of the 1950s and ’60s, and his son Massimo, who took over the Milanese club in 1995 and spent lavishly and vainly for years before finally equalling his father’s success.
The ‘Great Inter’ side won two European Cups in the 1960s, and four scudetti between 1963 and 1971.
The crowning achievement of Massimo’s stint was the 2010 treble by Jose’ Mourinho’s side, which gave Moratti Jr a tally of five league titles, including one claimed because of Juventus’s demotion after a match-fixing scandal.
Moratti has reduced his spending on Inter in recent season and the arrival of the new investors may mean the trend is reversed.
“I think Inter history’s is going to be enriched by a new season thanks to our new international partners who, I am sure, will contribute to a continued string of successes,” Moratti was quoted as saying in a club statement.
“The new partners’ enthusiasm and pragmatism are certainly a guarantee for the future. “I hope that Erick, Rosan and Handy add new victories to our beloved colours with the trust and friendship of our fantastic supporters. “My family and I will continue to experience this marvellous story together with Erick, Rosan and Handy, given our unchanged devotion and the fondness that bond us to the club and to the Inter supporters”.
Moratti said he did not know if he would continue to be Inter’s chairman.
Thohir already has a presence in the world of sport as part owner of Major League Soccer club DC United and the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team.
“Today is a truly special day in my life. I am honored that Mr. Moratti has entrusted me with the responsibility to lead Inter into the next chapter, and I am excited to have him continue in the future as my partner,” Thohir said. “The job done by the Moratti Family, from Angelo’s Great Inter to Massimo’s Treble record, has made Inter one of the most respected clubs in the world, for their prowess on the pitch as well their involvement in the community. “I am an entrepreneur, but first of all I am a supporter and a sports lover. “I cannot wait to put our passion and international experience at the service of this fantastic Club and its supporters”.