APPIANO GENTILE – Following the unveiling of the Inter Grassroots Program this morning, the director of Inter's youth set-up Roberto Samaden spoke to the journalists who turned out for the occasion.
He began with a few words on the support he's received from club president Erick Thohir, who has always showed a keen interest in the vital work of the Nerazzurri breeding ground. "The drive that the president and the club are giving us is aimed at having four or five youth-team players in the senior squad every year.
"We're happy and proud to offer this new project as a gift to Mr Thohir, two years on from the day he began his adventure as Inter president. Massimo Moratti laid the foundations for working in this direction and now we are even more motivated, both through necessity and desire."
A new technical partnership has replaced the old system of affiliations: "We've always tried to think up something new for our projects. In Italy, the system of affiliations is used by all professional clubs. However, in technical terms, they offer little and there are few possibilities to taking things on board as well. We were very honest when we dismantled the system and thanks to the work of everybody who collaborates with me every day, we've been able to launch this programme. Let's hope it's successful, just like all the previous projects have been."
Samaden wrapped things up with a comment on his understanding with Roberto Mancini: "One of our strengths is definitely the link we have to the technical aspect of the first team. There's a solid relationship with Roberto Mancini and sporting director Piero Ausilio that has been built up over the years. They have shown great desire and willingness to construct a bridge from the youth academy into professional football."
