MILAN - This evening President Massimo Moratti gave a telephone interview on Solo Inter, the radio programme produced by Inter Club Malta.
President, this wasn't the best of seasons, was it?
"It was a transitional season. It didn't get off to a very good start with the coach in place so we spent the whole year playing catch-up. We tried a few things to try and put right what had gone wrong before but it doesn't actually solve much."
Do Inter need to make a few adjustments or rebuild from scratch?"Inter must keep working to get the most out of the players we have – those who are up to the task – while looking for others who fit in with the coach's ideas and most importantly who are good enough to play for Inter."
Which of the 16 trophies won during your reign is dearest to you?
"It would be quite natural to say the Champions League - a trophy that fills the fans and the club with pride. But I must say the one I liked the most from our Treble season was the win at Siena because it made the Treble possible. It was also the game in which we suffered the most."
Why isn't the official Inter magazine published any more?
"I think it was a decision taken for organisational reasons, so also a question of rationalisation. But I do think that a monthly Inter magazine is a good way for Inter Club members to keep in touch with the club and I agree that it wasn't the best choice."
Why do the players who come through Inter's youth academy often get sent to play elsewhere?"Because often they aren't meant for Inter's first team but for other teams in different positions. Some need to go out to get themselves noticed. Take Mattia Destro for example: playing for Genoa and then especially at Siena he was able to showcase his talent and if he hadn't then he wouldn't be the player he is now. At the moment Inter have a lot of very good players both in the Primavera [U19] and the Berretti [U18] – players who, given the way we're going to set things up with our coach from here on in, will find more space in the first team."
How did Andrea Stramaccioni win you over?
"That was a decision I took because I consider him to be a very intelligent lad, and I needed to freshen things up and provide a bit of a spark. That's why I made a choice that seemed crazy but actually turned out to be inspired."
Will the club remain in the hands of the Moratti family in the future?
"I certainly hope so [smiling]. I don't think there are any alternatives... The main thing is that the club keeps moving, with the owners getting involved, so that it can remain strong. You'll have to bear with me for a while yet..."
Why does it seem that Inter are the only club respecting the financial fair play rules?
"Because the other clubs either have their books in order and so can afford to do so, or if they don't they must have their reasons for it. But I must say that everyone is thinking about it now because both Michel Platini and the institutions have reiterated that it's going to be fairly strict. They might make exceptions but you have to be careful. And in any case it's important to keep your books in order."
If Juventus were to put three stars on their shirt, would Inter consider putting the treble badge on theirs?"That's a good idea but I think if Juventus start wearing three stars then all the other teams will start using their imagination too - that's what Juve are doing. Everyone will be free to do whatever they want."
You decided you wanted to quit when you sensed there was something strange going on within the system. What did you think when that sensation was actually confirmed?
"I thought I was right..."
Can you tell us how things stand with Wesley Sneijder, Lucio and Diego Forlan?
"We see Sneijder as a player who can have a key role in Inter's future, so no problem there. Lucio has recently told us that he's uncertain so we'll see whether it might be better for him to move on. Forlan? Lots of players are happy to remain at Inter but we'll have to see if that happens or if it's better for them to go and play elsewhere. Sticking with those who deserve to stay? Yes, that goes for the players but we'll apply the same reasoning throughout the whole club."
Do you still speak to José Mourinho?
"Of course, we're still very good friends and he loves Inter. Is he like Herrera? They are different in terms of character but the same in getting results, especially in the immense amount of work they put in. They both work very, very hard indeed; they seem tireless. And they have intelligence and intuition."
One of our listeners says he really doesn't know how to thank you for the enormous investments you've made in the club so far.
"I'll give him my bank details... [smiling]. Joking aside, tell him that it's all been done with great passion."
President, can you reveal to us live who Inter's next signing will be?"Not yet and in any case I don't know because we've spoken about the importance of the fair play rules and it's true: at the moment the world is spinning in a certain way and football keeps spinning faster. I do think we're making the right moves though. In one way or another we'll do something to make the fans happy."
What can you tell us about Lavezzi?
"For the moment I think that's another deal that, if it is to happen, will have to be done very patiently and paying attention to the financial aspects."
Can we close with a greeting for all Inter Club members in Malta?
"I thank every one of them. You can't imagine how happy it makes me to hear about all this passion there is for Inter. I take it as part of my duty, which is to make it possible for Inter not only to be competitive but also successful. Everything that needs to be done will be done."
