Inter CEO Alessandro Antonello insists owners Suning have no intention of selling the club, though they are seeking new minority partners. ‘They are committed to a long-term investment.’
The extreme financial problems suffered by both Chinese giants Suning and the Serie A club itself sparked rumours for months that Inter could be bought up in a takeover.
Saudi investment fund PIF was considered a favourite after already purchasing Newcastle United in the Premier League, while American investors were also linked with a swoop.
“No, no, no,” Antonello told the Financial Times when asked if Suning was considering an outright sale of Inter.
“The shareholder [Suning] is committed to long-term investment in the club.”
Suning bought Inter from previous owner Erick Thohir in 2016 and the club has been running at a massive loss ever since.
They managed to steady the ship with big player sales like Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea and Achraf Hakimi to PSG, plus a €415m debt refinancing programme.
Antonello: ‘Suning non considera la cessione dell’ #Inter , impegno di Zhang a lungo termine’ https://t.co/RXlVsWJzfK pic.twitter.com/mzPdl10ROW
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) February 19, 2022
He can say that all he wants. Until they learn to balance the books, or are hit with FFP penalties, they are going to go under financially. Just like the tragicomedy that Milan were a few years ago. Simple math will tell you they can’t sustain this. Only Juve are allowed to go on with a business plan like this.