In the second part of his interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Steven Zhang mocked Milan saying Inter have never changed their minds about the new stadium and revealed what he always does before Champions League matches.
The Nerazzurri want to build a new stadium alongside their city rivals who, however, have different plans, especially since Gerry Cardinale’s takeover. The American businessman doesn’t want to share the new arena with the Nerazzurri, but it’s still unclear if he’ll be successful.
“Inter and Milan are two rival clubs, but growth is a common target,” noted Zhang.
“A shared stadium would allow this [growth] more than two. We’ve always had this idea, Milan on the other hand, changed four owners and ideas as many times.”
There are many rumours regarding Suning’s Inter sale, but Zhang insisted he will remain at the helm.
“As long as I am at Inter, the club will be stable and competitive,” he said.
“We are a great club and being linked to Inter gives visibility. It’s just like transfer rumours, we just ignore them.
“I love Milano, I’ve learned the culture, tradition and mentality. I often told my friends that I feel 40% Chinese, 30% American and 20% Italian and 10% a World citizen. I don’t speak Italian fluently but I can understand and the Chinese way of thinking is quite similar to yours.”
Zhang refused to discuss about single players, such as Milan Skriniar or Romelu Lukaku who had predicted Inter would reach the Champions League Final.
“Yes, it’s true, I thought he was crazy, but in the end, he was right,” said Zhang.
The striker’s loan from Chelsea expires at the end of the month, and it remains to be seen if Inter will make an attempt to keep him at the club. Skriniar, on the other hand, will leave at the end of the season, joining PSG on a free transfer.
“He’s been one of my favourite players, we did everything to have the best team, but I’ll discuss this after the Final. Before the game against City, I think it’s unfair to speak about single players,” said Zhang.
The Chinese entrepreneur went on to reveal his superstition before games: “I have just one, and only for Champions League matches. Before a game, I go to a Moncler shop. Are they happy? Surely, but not from a business perspective, because I leave without buying anything,” he admitted smiling.
Inter have reached the Champions League Final, but lost 11 Serie A games this season and were never credible title contenders.
“It was hard to remain focused in every competition,” admitted Zhang.
“There was tiredness, physical and mental. Now we have a Final to play and we are only focused on that.”
Is there an Italian swear word he says when he gets angry during games? “Yes, vaffa…”
After discussing Inter’s plans for a new stadium, Zhang concluded by explaining the next steps with Oaktree Capital Management, the shirt sponsor for next season and the Super League.
“Oaktree is an important fund, managed by competent people. We want to renegotiate the loan, we’ll find a solution together,” he said.
“Shirt sponsor? We have three or four important candidates. We want a good and stable brand.
“The Super League didn’t have the right format, but it was an attempt to change and innovate. It was useful mostly for Italian clubs who are behind the others. We didn’t want a conflict with UEFA and the Champions League remains the best possible tournament.”