Erick Thohir named new Inter Milan President
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Indonesian business tycoon Erick Thohir has been officially elected President of Inter Milan as former owner Massimo Moratti's 18-year reign came to an end.
The International Sports Capital consortium, owned by Thohir and two Indonesian partners Rosan Roeslani and Handy Soetedjo, officially has become the new majority shareholder with a 70 percent stake in the Nerazzurri.
And in Friday's shareholders' meeting, an eight-man board of directors was elected before Thohir was named president.
"I really want to thank my friend and new partner Massimo Moratti for the trust and support, and thank also my partners Rosan Roeslani and Handy Soetedjo, who I've known for more than 20 years," Thohir said.
"I want to also thank our families. Most of all, thanks to our supporters all around the world and wherever I met them, on Twitter or personally.
"This is a truly special day in my life. Inter is a magnificent story of passion, a tradition of winning and commitment to excellence.
"As Giacinto Facchetti said: 'The secret of every triumph lies in your own belief.' Our belief lies in our passion and our passion will pave the way for Inter's future success.
"Forza Inter."
Thohir, who is also part owner of MLS' D.C. United and NBA club Philadelphia 76ers, added: "In 10 years' time only 10 clubs will be remembered in the world, only those which are winners, nice to watch and financially healthy.
"Inter has to be and will be one of those. With this new management, with the definition of clear objectives and with everyone's collaboration we will make sure Inter will be among those 10 clubs.
"This new group has to be sufficiently creative to find new fans for the club, to attract them from Asia and from the United States. Creative in creating a winning squad and with (coach Walter) Mazzarri we are already on the right path."
Thohir wanted Moratti to remain as chief of the Beneamata but the oil baron rejected the offer.
Moratti said: "I think it's right that the person who carries the liability for an operation should also be the President of the club.
"I must also say that Mr Thohir and his partners insisted that I or my son should be President and I thank them for that.
"However, we felt that doing something with the liability placed on somebody else's shoulders wouldn't be right, nor something we're used to doing.
"It was right that this prestigious position, which represents the authority of the club, should go to those coming in. That's what I felt was right."
Moratti will have no role on the board but has been confirmed as the Honorary President, while his son Angelomario has been named as Vice-President.
"Being Honorary President myself and my son being Vice-President is still important to us," he continued.
"It will allow us to remain close to the team and the club, while respecting the roles of those coming in."
Moratti took over the presidency when he bought the club in 1995. During his time in charge, Inter won five consecutive Scudetti and also won the Champions League and Coppa Italia in 2010.
The 68-year-old added: "I thank everyone. I leave this marvellous Inter, but I leave it in excellent hands.
"This club is making an important step forward on an international level. All of my family who have a role at Inter will remain at the disposal of this club, but we have decided to pass it on.
"The new owners are professional, enthusiastic and have the desire to make this club grow.
"Inter is not the club of directors or a single person, it is a sentiment that is felt by the fans and the players, it is a passion that becomes a memory.
"I leave this club with the certainty that it goes to people who have a responsibility and respect for the colours and the history of Inter."
The new board of directors will now consist of Thohir, Roeslani, Soetedjo, Thomas Shreve, Hioe Isenta, Angelomario Moratti, Rinaldo Ghelfi, and Alberto Manzonetto.
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| President Erick Thohir and Honorary President Massimo Moratti hold an Inter Milan jersey Photo: Reuters |
The International Sports Capital consortium, owned by Thohir and two Indonesian partners Rosan Roeslani and Handy Soetedjo, officially has become the new majority shareholder with a 70 percent stake in the Nerazzurri.
And in Friday's shareholders' meeting, an eight-man board of directors was elected before Thohir was named president.
"I really want to thank my friend and new partner Massimo Moratti for the trust and support, and thank also my partners Rosan Roeslani and Handy Soetedjo, who I've known for more than 20 years," Thohir said.
"I want to also thank our families. Most of all, thanks to our supporters all around the world and wherever I met them, on Twitter or personally.
"This is a truly special day in my life. Inter is a magnificent story of passion, a tradition of winning and commitment to excellence.
"As Giacinto Facchetti said: 'The secret of every triumph lies in your own belief.' Our belief lies in our passion and our passion will pave the way for Inter's future success.
"Forza Inter."
Thohir, who is also part owner of MLS' D.C. United and NBA club Philadelphia 76ers, added: "In 10 years' time only 10 clubs will be remembered in the world, only those which are winners, nice to watch and financially healthy.
"Inter has to be and will be one of those. With this new management, with the definition of clear objectives and with everyone's collaboration we will make sure Inter will be among those 10 clubs.
"This new group has to be sufficiently creative to find new fans for the club, to attract them from Asia and from the United States. Creative in creating a winning squad and with (coach Walter) Mazzarri we are already on the right path."
Thohir wanted Moratti to remain as chief of the Beneamata but the oil baron rejected the offer.
Moratti said: "I think it's right that the person who carries the liability for an operation should also be the President of the club.
"I must also say that Mr Thohir and his partners insisted that I or my son should be President and I thank them for that.
"However, we felt that doing something with the liability placed on somebody else's shoulders wouldn't be right, nor something we're used to doing.
"It was right that this prestigious position, which represents the authority of the club, should go to those coming in. That's what I felt was right."
 | |
| Honorary President Massimo Moratti holds an Inter Milan jersey before a news conference Photo: Reuters |
Moratti will have no role on the board but has been confirmed as the Honorary President, while his son Angelomario has been named as Vice-President.
"Being Honorary President myself and my son being Vice-President is still important to us," he continued.
"It will allow us to remain close to the team and the club, while respecting the roles of those coming in."
Moratti took over the presidency when he bought the club in 1995. During his time in charge, Inter won five consecutive Scudetti and also won the Champions League and Coppa Italia in 2010.
The 68-year-old added: "I thank everyone. I leave this marvellous Inter, but I leave it in excellent hands.
"This club is making an important step forward on an international level. All of my family who have a role at Inter will remain at the disposal of this club, but we have decided to pass it on.
"The new owners are professional, enthusiastic and have the desire to make this club grow.
"Inter is not the club of directors or a single person, it is a sentiment that is felt by the fans and the players, it is a passion that becomes a memory.
"I leave this club with the certainty that it goes to people who have a responsibility and respect for the colours and the history of Inter."
The new board of directors will now consist of Thohir, Roeslani, Soetedjo, Thomas Shreve, Hioe Isenta, Angelomario Moratti, Rinaldo Ghelfi, and Alberto Manzonetto.
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