A Love Story Spanning Generations
Massimo Moratti’s 30-year journey as Inter Milan President began in 1995, a tenure marked by deep passion and unwavering commitment. In a recent interview with the Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, Moratti reflected on the significant milestone of taking over the Nerazzurri. His decision, he explained, was "a very simply matter of love and support." This connection to the club was not just a personal sentiment but a legacy passed down from his father, Angelo Moratti, who himself had been a legendary president of Inter Milan. The weight of this heritage and the emotional bond with the club drove Massimo to invest heavily and steer Inter back to the pinnacle of Italian and European football.
The Early Days: A Glimmer of Hope
When Massimo Moratti assumed the presidency from Ernesto Pellegrini in 1995, Inter Milan was far from its glory days. The club had not clinched the Serie A title in over half a decade, and morale was low. However, the very first match of his tenure brought a sense of optimism. Inter won 1-0 away to Brescia, a victory that was "particularly important because we hadn’t won in a while," Moratti reminisced. This early success was a crucial morale booster and set the tone for the ambitious journey ahead. It was a moment that symbolized the club’s potential and the president’s determination to revive it.
Building a Dynasty
Moratti’s vision for Inter Milan was clear and bold. He was determined to bring the club back to the top of Italian football and eventually make it a dominant force in Europe. His tenure saw significant investments in top-tier talent and infrastructure. Between the 2005-06 and 2009-10 seasons, Inter achieved an unprecedented feat by winning the Serie A title five times in a row. This period of dominance was not just a testament to Moratti’s business acumen but also to his unwavering faith in the club and its players. The culmination of this journey was the historic European Treble in the 2009-10 season, where Inter clinched the league title, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League. The Champions League final against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu was a defining moment, with Argentine striker Diego Milito scoring both goals to secure a 2-0 victory, completing the treble and etching Inter’s name in football history.
Emotional Moments and Resilience
Despite the numerous successes, Moratti’s tenure was not without its challenges. One particularly frustrating moment was the team’s elimination from the Champions League in 2009. "I was angry with the team’s elimination," he recalled. "In front of me there were a lot of resigned faces, going ‘That’s how it is in Europe…’” Moratti’s reaction was one of disbelief and determination. “I was going, ‘Are you joking with me?’” This incident highlighted his refusal to accept mediocrity and his relentless drive to push the club to reach its full potential. It also underscored his deep emotional investment in Inter, treating the club’s failures as personal setbacks and its victories as personal triumphs.
Iconic Players and Personal Favorites
Throughout his time at Inter, Moratti had the privilege of working with some of the greatest players in football history. Among them, he holds a special place for Ronaldo, whom he considers "the best player I ever had." The Brazilian striker’s talent and impact on the team were profound, and his time at Inter is fondly remembered by fans and the president alike. Another player who left an indelible mark on Moratti’s heart was Paul Ince. "I fell in love with Paul Ince to the point that I personally travelled to England to come and sign him in person," he said. Ince’s leadership and skill were crucial during his tenure at the club. However, it was Javier Zanetti who truly captured Moratti’s admiration. "The other player I loved was Javier Zanetti, and not just for his representing the club for such a long time," he added. Zanetti’s loyalty and exceptional performance made him a club legend, far surpassing the expectations set by his initial arrival alongside Rambert, who was then seen as the bigger prize. Zanetti’s influence on the team and the club’s culture cannot be overstated, and Moratti’s personal affection for him is evident.
Reflections on the Present and Future
Now, as Moratti looks back on his time with Inter Milan, he maintains a supportive yet distant relationship with the club. "Sometimes I go out to the San Siro, but otherwise I follow the team from my armchair," he said. Despite stepping back from the day-to-day operations, his connection to Inter remains strong. He has a keen eye on the current state of the club and has noted the positive changes under the leadership of current coach Simone Inzaghi. "Inzaghi has done well to get a good style of play and good results," Moratti commented. This endorsement reflects his continued confidence in Inter’s ability to succeed and his belief that the club’s future is bright. Moratti’s legacy at Inter Milan is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, qualities that continue to inspire the club and its fans.
