Moratti wants Euro crown
Saturday 23 June, 2007
Massimo Moratti insists David Suazo is coming to Inter and that their primary objective for 2008 is the Champions League.
The Nerazzurri finally ended their 18-year Scudetto drought – not including the 2005-06 title handed over by the Calciopoli trial – this season and are now aiming to top Europe.
“There is no point in hiding it. Our primary objective for next season will be to win the Champions League,” said the President.
Irked by rivals Milan’s success in this competition and their celebrations in the city just days before Inter’s own title party, they are determined to prove themselves on the continental stage.
The second round exit to Valencia was a bitter blow for Roberto Mancini’s men and they have not won the European Cup since 1965, which was their second consecutive triumph.
The Nerazzurri haven’t even reached the Final of that tournament since losing 2-0 to Ajax in 1972.
The most recent continental trophy was the UEFA Cup in 1998, beating Lazio 3-0 in Paris.
With this in mind, Moratti aims to strengthen the squad with some more star names, including Milan target Suazo.
“Fortunately for us, there is a clear desire from the player to join the only club that courted him for a long time – Inter. We must make the most of that and will see how it pans out.”
Although Cagliari have officially agreed a £10m deal with Milan, it’s now claimed a clause in his contract will release the Honduran for £8m plus half of Under-21 international Robert Acquafresca’s registration.
Thierry Henry’s switch to Barcelona could have a knock-on effect here, as Milan are more likely to turn their attention away from Suazo and on to either Ronaldinho or Samuel Eto’o.
Barca have also made an offer to Roma for defender Cristian Chivu, who had been a prime target for Inter.
“Barcelona have been interested in Chivu for some time, as have we,” conceded Moratti on the club’s official website.
“It is however a relative need, so we are following this path in case it brings fruit. I must say I would like to get the best out of the squad that just won the Scudetto.
“I don’t like the idea of seeking many new signings, forgetting those who proved their quality and have the right age to continue. I don’t understand why I should make life more difficult for myself.”
The Nerazzurri had been linked with their own approach for Henry this week, but Moratti assures that was all newspaper talk.
“I don’t think Marco Branca was in England to negotiate for the player, as he was in Milan. I get the feeling all these things were written in the newspapers to make it seem as if we have failed to sign a player rather than reporting the real facts.
“Henry was not an Inter target, at least not recently. We had sought him out a long time ago, but he wanted to follow Arsenal’s wishes, which were to agree a deal with Barcelona. Perhaps that will now be completed.”
channel4.com
Was der nicht alles will! Und wie ist das jetzt mit Suazo ?
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