Ex Nerazzurri Owner Makes Bold Claim: “I Helped Inter Become Great Again” | OneFootball

Former Inter Milan president Erick Thohir made a bold claim, stating he helped the Nerazzurri’s return to prominence.

During his recent interview with Corriere dello Sport via FCInterNews, Thohir admitted he would never return to Italy to buy another club.

“It happened that some fans asked me to return to Italy,” he said. “But I could never do that.

“I love Inter too much. The bond is too strong. I’m always a fan, and I follow all the results.”

Erick Thohir revealed he celebrated Inter’s 20th Scudetto last season.

“Yes, I was very happy.”

However, he couldn’t help but explain how he ‘lost’ Inter six years ago.

“Yes, I read it in the newspapers. I’m just saying that in my time, the club’s debt was only 160 million, while now it’s much higher.”

He was in touch with his successor, Steven Zhang, until recently.

“I lost contact. When I left the presidency of the club, I also preferred to leave him free rein, avoiding interfering.”

Ex Inter Milan Owner Erick Thohir Makes Bold Claim

Thohir explained his role in Inter’s return to Serie A’s elite.

“I’ve said it from the beginning. I arrived to help Inter grow and return to the top,” he continued.

“Maybe someone could have aimed high right away, but I knew the situation well and it was necessary to recover first.

“Financial sustainability was key.

“As proof of the facts and the promises I made then, after five years, Inter returned to play in the Champions League.

“And he could have gotten there even earlier, when I was there, if the Italian teams qualified had been 4 and not 3. I want to add one more thing.

“Serie A needs to change. Already in my time, I was pushing for foreign markets to be looked at, and in particular Asia.

“It happened, but it only lasted a couple of years. Then everything stopped. The global economy is shifting towards Asia.

“With me, Inter began its expansion towards the USA and, indeed, Asia.

“Not surprisingly, there was an immediate increase in commercial revenues.”

Thohir also backed Inter to defend the Scudetto amid fierce competition from Napoli and Juventus.

“Like all fans, I want to win at every opportunity. Inter are still the strongest,” he said.

“They have extraordinary players, such as Lautaro, Thuram, Barella, and Bastoni, as well as Dimarco.

“Beware, however, of the other big ones, who are returning: Juventus, Milan, and Napoli.

“It will be a hard-fought championship.”