Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has announced majority stake in the Serie A club has been sold to Idonesian media magnate Erick Thohir.
Moratti confirmed to reporters at the entrance to his offices on Tuesday that the signatures had been placed on the contract, before an official announcement late on.
“I’m satisfied,” Moratti said. “It has taken a long time, but I think it’s balanced and done well. Let’s wait until the official announcement is made. It’s always sad when things change, but I don’t really think I’ll have to get used to a different rhythm in my life.
“Obviously on the one hand there is the love of all this, while on the other hand, there’s the satisfaction and relief that I’ve placed the club in good hands. I’m certain of this because they are very good people, also in terms of their character.”
With the sale of the club already concluded and a majority of its stakes already gone to Thohir, the pattern for the formation of the new look board remains to be seen. However, Moratti is not ruling out retaining his position as president.
“I don’t know, this is only relatively important and of course we will have our assembly on the 28th,” Moratti said, before suggesting it will be up to him whether he remains in his role or not. “Let’s wait and see.”
Inter Milan, under Moratti’s reign as president won five consecutive Seria A titles culminating in a league, cup and Champions League Treble in 2010.
Thohir, who also own stakes in NBA basketball and MLS football teams Philadelphia 76ers and DC United, and his business associates are expected to pump in funds to move the club forward and improve its global appeal.
On such note, the 68-year-old Moratti added: “Every president puts their own stamp on things, without doubt. With time, probably there will be a different stamp, but what is important is always respecting the rest of the world, beyond your own activities, and I believe that these people also have that in mind.
“I’m only trying to pretend that this is all normal and everything, but it’s clear that it still takes you by surprise. I’ll just have to see what I feel like telling (the fans).”
