APPIANO GENTILE - After Massimo Moratti had addressed the sponsors, it was the turn of Andrea Stramaccioni who immediately brought a smile from those in attendance: "I didn't realise I was going to speak after the president so it's tough to say something as nice as he did. The running order was a bit different!"
The coach went on to say: "In a very simple and direct fashion, which is how I am naturally and perhaps how we know each other indirectly - I really wanted to be here when they explained to me what this evening was all about. Having spoken to the president, I was very keen to attend so I could talk about the work the squad are putting in at the moment and - as we've done a lot recently - to put my face to this group of players. They are represented here first and foremost by me, as I try to repay the great faith the president has shown in me and my players in what is, in my opinion, a hugely important season for Inter. We are building something which I believe is very important and we're doing so based on the values the president alluded to earlier. I may be the last in but I really buy into the values of this club and this city."
"This is probably a key year because it's a period in which Inter are laying the foundations to once again go back to challenging both in Italy and on the continent. The road will of course be difficult, and we won't shy away from that, but that's why I, as coach of the team, along with captain Javier Zanetti, wanted to be here this evening. We want to thank our partners for having chosen Inter and making us their number one choice because - as the president said - whether they're Interisti or not, they give us great confidence. This can help to create a wider group which goes beyond the field of play, and it's everything I see around me when I'm at the San Siro, inside our stadium."
"I don't believe I've got much more to add. The main thing is to say a big 'thank you' and I've been surprised by how strong this brand is, how highly thought of Inter are all over the world. I therefore think the president displayed excellent foresight in exploring unchartered waters and opening the club up to new markets for Italian football. This is our very simple and direct way of showing our appreciation and we shan't make promises because I want our football to do the talking on the pitch."
