MILAN - Zhang Jindong, the owner of Suning Holdings Group, spoke during a press conference following this morning shareholders' meeting: "First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the Italian national side on their win last night to make the quarter-finals of the European championships. Yesterday, we cheered on Italy with Erick Thohir and the Inter management. One of the most exciting moments was Eder's free-kick which led to the first goal because he's an Inter player. We, as fans of Inter and Italy, should be proud.
"This morning saw the F.C. Internazionale shareholders' meeting and the new board which officially confirmed Suning's involvement in the club. It's a very exciting time for me. At Suning, we've always had a dream, namely '100 years of Suning to share with the world' and today that dream becomes a reality. We're becoming part of a club that has more than 100 years' history worldwide. That's why I'd like to sincerely thank the legendary Inter president Massimo Moratti for having faith in Suning and me. During discussions with Massimo Moratti, his passion for Italian football and his love of Inter really moved me. Furthermore, we have to thank president Erick Thohir for choosing Suning. His honesty and encouragement strengthened my determination to become involved with the club.
"Besides excitement, I also feel a bit of pressure inside me. This pressure stems from responsibility. How can a young company with 26 years of history bear the legacy of a century-old club like Inter? How can a Chinese company 7,000 miles away run a famous club in Italy and Europe? I believe this is a question that not only my team and I will have to think about but it is also a topic that the host of friends and fans of Inter - and above all the journalists and media professionals here - will want to explore.
"Benefiting from more than 20 years' rapid economic development in China, Suning began in the retail sector before becoming what is today the largest commercial business in China. The company numbers more than 600 offices in China, the United States and Japan with an annual turnover of €50 billion, providing jobs for 180,000 employees at home and abroad. With the advent of the internet and increased standards of living, Suning created an innovative business model with internet sales, becoming a leader in the sector, working on the premise of healthy consumption to create better quality of life. Focused on health and macro consumption, Suning developed a portfolio encompassing an online platform, large shopping centres, luxury hotels, online videos, internet services, cinemas, football and sport.
"Once Suning became involved in the football industry, we realised that, though the sport has a large following, its growth around the world is not linear. China and Asia have a large number of football supporters and rapid population growth, South America and Africa have young, exceptionally talented players but football's epicentre remains Europe. The European model with regards to club administration and youth development, along with defensive and attacking tactics and technique have produced a comprehensive scientific system. For the long-term evolution of the sport and the far-reaching development of Suning's work in football, the choice was made to begin planning to set up in Europe. That's why, from among the top clubs in Europe, Suning have always had a special passion for Inter. The essence of the club is its openness to the "Brothers of the world" and that vision is very similar to Suning's - sharing everything with the world. Having been the first top side to visit China and having contributed to the development of Chinese football on the international stage, Inter have always had the highest number of supporters in China.
"With Suning joining Inter, the Nerazzurri fans will certainly wonder how the company will view the club. We believe that Inter are Italian first, European second and global third. Suning's involvement in Inter doesn't mean a Chinese company is taking control of the Nerazzurri but that the Italian branch of Suning is merging with the club. Suning's experience, as seen in more than 600 cities worldwide, has taught us that only via local integration, becoming a local business, can you become a successful company. That's why we've set the following goal for Inter: be a leader in Serie A and Europe. That's the success you need at a global club like Inter. That's also the only type of success that can reflect Suning's standards and their benchmark levels of success in world football.
"Our faith stems first from Inter's century-old experience in football culture and in their world famous management system. These are the seeds of success that produced Inter's glorious history. Our confidence comes from the enthusiasm of Inter's many fans and from all of the people that have played, run and served the Nerazzurri, going on to become world-famous stars and successful coaches. People like Massimo Moratti who contributed to football culture with his great passion for Inter. He will remain by our side and we will always have his support.
Our confidence also stems from ourselves, given that Suning are a young, vibrant company. We have the commitment and the spirit of a robust business and our work ethic is characterised by the desire to always learn new things. We operate in six large industrial sectors, and we have the global market as our support for capital and resources. To have success you definitely need confidence but faith alone does not necessarily produce results. Success comes from correct decision making and continual effort. Taking on Inter with over 100 years of history and redeveloping the club over the next century will be a long process. Having acquired a share in Inter, Suning will not simply make blind, wholesale changes, we want to merely strengthen and broaden Inter's tradition.
"That's why I want to be clear in stressing to the management team that we will closely follow three principles. First, we will continue to adhere to the principles of professional management. Football is an art, a team sport, and professional, scientific management is at the heart of success in the area. Second, our battle grounds this year will once again be Serie A and the Europa League. Yet our main aim remains to be in the Champions League. Third, we will continue to support investment in youth development. We have to keep strengthening our youth academy with players from all over the world and above all develop local stars in Italy. We want to relive the glory years under Moratti but before that we have to channel the spirit of the man, investing in young players, youth development and the culture of a club side.
"Dear guests, ladies and gentleman, friends from the press, we are here today in Milan, we have joined Inter and I would like to pay tribute to Italian football and the Nerazzurri. I told Moratti that I will work 'with all of my strength and all of my passion, when I do something, I want to be the best at it." This is Suning's philosophy when it comes to business and also the company's approach to football. Given the club's century-long history, there are bound to be ups and downs in terms of results but the Inter's spirit and the team's competitive approach must never waver. I believe with the encouragement of Moratti, the enthusiastic support of our fans around the world - who are the real owners of the club - and with the resources consistently made available by Suning, along with the diligent and professional work of the management, we will definitely be able to lead this great, glorious club forward and bring back the good times. Thank you very much."
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FC INTERNAZIONALE PRESS CONFERENCE - 28.06.2016 12:30CEST
