AGRATE BRIANZA - The Nerazzurri youth academy held their Christmas dinner this evening and a number of high-profile figures from the first team attended the event. Here's what they had to say:
Youth academy director Roberto Samaden: "I'd like to thank everyone who's here tonight. The fact that so many people have come along demonstrates just how much importance the club places on its youth academy. Our best achievement is having six players who grew up at 'Interello' now permanent members of the first-team squad: Berni, Andreolli, Donkor, Obi, Krhin and Mbaye. That's the result of a great deal of effort put in by lots of people, all working together as a team. That is how we're able to achieve results."
CEO Michael Bolingbroke: "I joined Inter in July and it's a honour for me to hold such an important position. I moved to Milan from Manchester with my seven-year-old son. He didn't know anyone when he first came here and didn't speak the language either. It wasn't easy for him but after I introduced him to the club's youth set-up things changed. He says it's the best part of the week for him because football is a universal language and through football he's been able to make lots of new friends. One of the things I learnt from Alex Ferguson at Manchester United is just how important a club's academy is. Inter are without doubt a top club in that respect."
Vice president Javier Zanetti: "We must congratulate everyone who works at Inter's youth academy. It's among the best in the world and sets a fine example. I hope these kids have great futures ahead of them and can one day pull on the black and blue stripes for the first team."
Head coach Roberto Mancini: "We've given a number of youngsters the chance to make their senior debut this season. I believe very much in youth because they represent the future. I hope we're able to give them more chances in the future and if and when the opportunity arises we'll certainly do that. I'd ask everyone to believe in what the club is doing at 'Interello' and listen to the people who work there because they really are doing a fantastic job."
