Letters to Inter | Facchetti, from Gianfelice to Giacinto

In recent months, we’ve taken you through various “Letters to Inter”: champions of Inter’s past have penned their own words on their time with the Nerazzurri. A mixture of football and life, from fears of losing to the joys of triumph.

Tomorrow, voting for the third entry to our Hall of Fame closes (get your votes in here). Giacinto Facchetti is among the legends who have already been inducted to Inter’s Hall of Fame; describing his life in black and blue, his sporting exploits, his teaching, his legacy, is not easy.

For that reason, we’re taking a look at a rather unique “Letter to Inter”, written by Gianfelice Facchetti to his unforgettable father. It’s a message that embraces the figure of “Cipe” and extends to our Youth Sector. It’s a letter that contains a clear example for our boys, the affection a son feels for his father and the hopes for a future made of games, football and good intentions, all in the Nerazzurri’s colours.

Dear Cipe,

In this letter I’ll call you by the name affectionately given to you by Inter’s fans… How’s it going up there? You’ll know that the last few months have been tough for us all, for Lombardy and Milan in particular; miracles are gratefully accepted! Getting back to playing football with the world on its head seemed impossible, but we’re doing it. It’s a small thing that helps us to get going again, even if the stands lack the same emotion, which in your eyes made football a great and beautiful spectacle. Those faces, hands, eyes and voices of the protagonists of Inter’s history, who were always together with you and those who have been lucky enough to wear the Nerazzurri shirt.

The courage with which Inter has faced the emergency, in keeping with its great history, will not have escaped your notice. As per tradition, it has done so against the tide, raising its voice before everyone else and anticipating the times just as when, one March evening in 1908, our founders told the world that if everyone cannot play it, then it cannot be called a game. Thus F.C. Internazionale was born with those core feelings that millions of fans all over the world, from Milan to Nanjing, continue to hold dear.

I know you’re proud of this, of everything, of knowing that the first players not to take to the pitch were our boys from the Primavera team. Without having to think about it, the champions of tomorrow led the way for their elders! Over these months, I’ve had the privilege to speak with them, male and female players from the youth sector (Inter Women also play in Serie A!) who continue to write pages of this wonderful history.

Listening to their stories took me back to the start of your Nerazzurri adventure and I thought back to your stubbornness when you said, “Either I play for Inter or I quit!”. Fate then put that straight: you hit the big time with Inter and they did likewise with you. As you carefully observe up there, may you protect their journey, ensure that football continues to thrill them, and maintain their dream of making their debut for this Club, just like you did… I’m sure you’ve got a team of great champions alongside you to count on, you’re our lucky star!

Farewell dad, long live Inter!

Gianfelice Facchetti