President Giuseppe Marotta's comments during the Shareholders' Meeting
Club
— Oct 28th 2024Dear Nerazzurri,
The document we are analysing today tells the story of a season marked by significant events that will forever be etched in Inter’s history.
Clinching the second star will always be a milestone moment in the club’s accomplishment records. The Scudetto won last April is the second in four years, a testament to a winning cycle that we intend to continue. The Italian Super Cup completes the picture of a magnificent season.
The days of the Scudetto generated indescribable emotions, allowing us to paint Milan in our colours once again.
I am addressing you in my new role as President, a position entrusted to me by our new majority shareholder, Oaktree, from the very start of its tenure. For a long-serving sporting director like me, this is an honour, accompanied by a great sense of responsibility, which I intend to fulfil to the best of my ability. As I mentioned on the day of the assembly, there are many examples to follow: from Ivanoe Fraizzoli to Ernesto Pellegrini, from Giacinto Facchetti to Massimo Moratti to, all of whom are leaders in my eyes.
From my first day as President, I have once again drawn inspiration from the great values of this club’s history, especially the sacrifices and work ethic that have defined FC Internazionale Milano since it was founded 116 years ago.
This document also marks the final chapter of Steven Zhang’s presidency, whom I thank for the trust he placed in me in 2018 by inviting me to the club. His passion for the Nerazzurri will be remembered by the fans as part of a legacy that helped the club win the second star.
These victories would not have been possible without the support of Oaktree, which provided the club with the financial resources needed to overcome the difficult moments of 2021. The trust that the men and women at the club have felt from the new ownership since the early days is particularly reassuring for the future.
Thanks to Oaktree, the club’s financial health has improved significantly over the past two seasons. Their backing will allow us to accelerate the recovery process, ensuring sporting competitiveness along with the necessary financial and operational sustainability, elements that previously seemed at odds with each other.
Football is evolving rapidly and it is essential for the Nerazzurri to foster the virtuous cycle composed of revenue growth, cost control and high-level performance on the pitch. The new board of directors is deeply committed to this goal, ensuring all the club’s components receive the right support, as also demonstrated by the recent capital increase granted by Oaktree. The club is focused on growing revenue streams, with particular focus on the American market, which is showing an increasing passion for our sport.
In recent years, Inter have returned to where the club deserves to be on the European and global stage. The Nerazzurri have once again taken huge strides forward in the UEFA Champions League. After impressively reaching the final in 2023, our journey ended in the round of 16 in 2024. The goal is to improve, remembering that we will be one of two Italian clubs competing in the new Club World Cup.
A winning DNA, the pursuit of excellence, innovation, a strong connection with Italy and our city, determination, and a sense of belonging are the hallmarks of the Nerazzurri identity, which the club has been able to convey and express even off the pitch. The Inter brand is becoming more and more iconic beyond sport, through events, initiatives, products and content, allowing Inter to speak directly to fans worldwide in a constant and meaningful dialogue.
Sporting success, revenue growth and a focus on shared values are all elements that come together under the Nerazzurri colours and would not be possible without the dedication of everyone at this magnificent club. I believe it is fitting to thank our coach Simone Inzaghi and his entire team, our CEO Corporate Alessandro Antonello, and Vice President Javier Zanetti, as well as my close colleagues, Piero Ausilio and Dario Baccin. I must also acknowledge the significant growth of the management and staff at Inter Women at national level, along with our invaluable youth sector, which is a jewel in our crown. Last season, our male youngsters were proclaimed Italian champions at U14 and U13 level while our female U17 side enjoyed domestic success.
One of the key factors for Inter’s future development is undoubtedly the creation of a new club-owned stadium. The hard work and commitment by our shareholder have given fresh impetus to this project and we hope the process is heading in the right direction. Meanwhile, Oaktree is paying great attention to enhancing our infrastructure, starting with the BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile and the KONAMI Youth Development Centre, with plans in place for investments in both this season to meet the modern needs of a top club.
With a great sense of responsibility, we are ready to uphold our commitment to the society in which we operate. We are aware of the leadership role that Inter plays within the elite sports sector in Italy and Europe and of the need to always provide a positive model for those who look up to us, especially the young people who follow us and admire their footballing idols.
Thank you all for your enthusiasm and support.
Forza Inter!