MILAN - F.C. Internazionale has once again underlined its support and dedication to social work with the signing of a protocol agreement for the Sport Zone project with the Milan city council and Comunità Nuova Onlus in Milan today.
After the event, CEO Michael Bolingbroke explained to Inter Channel why the project means so much to Inter.
"This is a very important project for us. Everyone knows Inter Campus, which is fantastic and works with poor children throughout the world, but a football club must never forget its roots and our roots are here, in Milan. We need to make sure we look after our heritage and our home. Sport Zone is a great example of a project that is very important to the community. I'm very proud that we as a club are supporting it.
"Sport is unique because it speaks to people in a way that nothing else does. It's a very powerful tool for betterment and we want to use the power of sport and of Inter to make people's lives better."
Bolingbroke then took a moment to reflect on the season as it reaches the final weekend.
"This year we averaged 45,000 people at San Siro. Last season we averaged 38,000, so that's a huge increase. We're proud of that as it shows that fans realise there's a project happening and they want to come and support Inter. I'm also proud of the fact that no other club in Italy has been able to average more than 40,000 in their stadium.
"We all wanted to get into the Champions League and we didn't manage it but we're still proud that we came fourth. We currently have 67 points, which is the highest number of points we've had in five years so we're proud of what Roberto [Mancini] and the team have achieved. Next year we'll play in the Europa League and that gives us a double shot at getting into the Champions League, by finishing in the top three or winning the Europa League."
Vice president Javier Zanetti also said a few words: "Sport Zone is an important initiative to us. As a club we care a lot about our social work and being able to convey our values to the local community through sport is a great thing."
Zanetti then gave his own take on the season: "I think the team has grown a lot so it's been a positive year in that respect. Looking at how the season went we could have done a bit more but there's no space for regret now.
"We want to use this fourth place as the starting point to build for the future so that we can take Inter higher.
"I want to thank the fans because their passion for this club is something unique. They are the real winners this season."
Finally, the mayor of Milan, Giuliano Pisapia, shared his views on the latest in a long line of social initiatives involving Inter, praising the club for their local charity work.
"Projects like Sport Zone are very important because they create ties, integration, friendships and social cohesion. That's crucial for the wellbeing of our community and this is another area where Inter have shown that they're a great club."
A renowned Nerazzurri fan, Pisapia was then asked how he combines his role as mayor with being an Inter supporter. "It's not difficult and I came to realise that four or five months after I was appointed to office. When the two Milan sides aren't playing each other I support them both but when the derby comes around there's really no contest. I support for Inter, I cheer for them and I think it's right that I should."
He then revealed his fondest memories relating to Inter: "Looking back, for me it was Mario Corso's divine left foot. Considering my five years in office, I'll say the many charity and social initiatives we've carried out with the club. Inter have shown that even when things aren't going so well on the pitch, they are capable of reaching out to the city and playing an active role in the community."
