Marotta: ‘Zhang loves Inter, this is a virtuous club’

Inter CEO Beppe Marotta insists he remains ‘optimistic’ the Zhang family and Suning will act ‘in the interests of the club’ with Oaktree ready to repossess the side. ‘This is a virtuous club.’

The game with Lazio kicks off at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.

“Winning is always wonderful, even more in these circumstances, because it is the second star for the club. Above all, it is a new emotion for me and we want to hold it for as long as possible,” Marotta told DAZN.

The situation is somewhat surreal at San Siro, because the Scudetto trophy will be presented to the squad after the final whistle today, but the crowd is also well aware that Suning are on the verge of seeing the club repossessed over an unpaid loan of €275m plus interest to Oaktree by the end of Monday.

“I can only say the matter is for our shareholders. I can only guarantee the club is very solid, we have been on a virtuous path on a sporting level and are not at risk.

“I also wish the say that Steven Zhang and his family care about Inter and any decision made will be in the interests of the club and its future. We are optimistic that we can continue like this.

“The players are also focused, so there are no concerns.”

Marotta trusts Inter can keep going

Does that also mean there are no funds to invest in strengthening the squad this summer?

“This is where we must do well in management to be creative and courageous, which means betting on young players and those who are older but can still be competitive.

“We have been able to build a competitive squad, changing 12 players last summer, with that approach focusing on courage and good work.”

Is that aim still to raise the bar next season, or must they first clarify the Suning situation?

“Zhang is with us, we spoke to him this morning, he was very happy to know we were having this day of celebration and sad that he could not participate.

“He gives us security, no matter what the people who want to wish ill upon us say. This is a virtuous club and I dare anyone to check our accounts.

“What happens over our heads is not our issue, the Zhang family proved they are serious and love this club. Today and tomorrow, we will try to enjoy these celebrations and shake off the criticism from nasty people.”